What is the main purpose of phylogenetics in biology?

The main purpose of phylogenetics in biology is to study the evolutionary relationships among biological entities, such as species or genes. This field utilizes genetic data, morphological characteristics, and other biological information to construct frameworks, known as phylogenetic trees, that illustrate how different organisms are related through common ancestry. By understanding these relationships, scientists can trace the lineage of various species, gain insights into their evolutionary history, and make predictions about their characteristics and behaviors.

In particular, phylogenetics allows researchers to understand how species evolved over time, how they adapted to their environments, and how traits have diverged or converged among different lineages. This information is fundamental to many areas of biological research, including conservation efforts, taxonomy, and ecological studies. The focus is specifically on the evolutionary connections, distinguishing phylogenetics from other disciplines that might look at organisms in terms of their habitat, ecosystem dynamics, or health effects of diseases.