Historically, organisms were organized into a taxonomic classification system. Each group of organisms went through its own evolutionary journey, called its phylogeny.

However, today many scientists build phylogenetic trees to illustrate evolutionary relationships To build phylogenetic trees, scientists must collect accurate information that allows them to make evolutionary connections between organisms.

taxonomic classification system — hierarchical system of classifying organisms, including the classification of domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. phylogenetic tree — diagram used to reflect the evolutionary relationships among organisms or groups of organisms. phylogeny — evolutionary history and relationship of an organism or group of organisms. taxon — (plural: taxa) single level in the taxonomic classification system.