What is the function of a phylogenetic tree?

A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among various species or groups of organisms. It shows how different species are related through common ancestors and illustrates the branching patterns of evolution. The length of the branches can indicate the amount of genetic change or the time since the divergence from a common ancestor.

This visual representation allows scientists to understand how species evolve over time and to trace the lineage of different organisms back to their common origins. Thus, the primary function of a phylogenetic tree is indeed to represent the evolutionary relationships among species, highlighting the connections formed through the process of speciation.