What does a phylogenetic tree represent?

A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among various species or groups, showing how they are related through common ancestry. Each branch point, or node, on the tree indicates where a common ancestor diverged into different species or lineages. This tree illustrates the hypothetical relationships based on shared characteristics, genetic information, or fossil records, providing insights into the evolutionary history and development of life forms over time. It serves as a visual representation of the branching patterns of evolution, highlighting how species have evolved and diversified from ancestral forms.