Cracking the Code: DNA Detectives Unravel Life's Family Tree

In this engaging lesson, students will delve into the fascinating world of phylogenetics, using the DNA sequences and genetic information of their selected organisms to construct an automated phylogenetic tree. Through this hands-on activity, they will discover that evolutionary relationships are not solely determined by physical characteristics but are deeply rooted in the intricate patterns of genetic code. By analyzing the DNA sequences, students will unravel the hidden stories encoded within the genomes, revealing the intricate web of shared ancestry and divergence among different species. They will gain a profound understanding of how even the slightest variations in genetic information can shape the evolutionary trajectories of organisms, leading to the vast diversity we observe in the natural world.