This elephant phylogenetic tree was constructed by analyzing molecular differences between species to determine the relationships between gomphotheres, true elephants, and mammoths. Collagen, the most abundant protein in bones and teeth, is one of the most informative ancient biomolecules that scientists can use for this type of research. The researchers collected four gomphothere fossils from South America, all belonging to the genus Notiomastodon. To reduce the number of extraneous variables in the dataset, all of the fossils were collected from the same location: the Pilauco Site in Osorno, Chile, as shown in this elephant phylogenetic tree diagram. Go ahead and start using EdrawMax to create phylogenetic trees for your class.
