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A3.2.7 (HL)—Analysing cladograms

Analysing cladograms means reading roots, nodes, clades, sister groups, divergence order, branch relationships, and evidence for evolutionary relationships carefully overall.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
A3.2.7
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing5%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceNovember 2025
Most common paperPaper3
Typical marks2–6

Common command terms

  • Discuss
  • Explain
  • Deduce
  • Outline
  • Identify

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Reading terminal positions as closeness instead of using the most recent shared node.

Recent exam appearances

November 2025Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ37(a)[ 2 ]A3.2.7 (HL)—Analysing cladograms
May 2025Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ37(a)[ 2 ]A3.2.7 (HL)—Analysing cladograms
May 2018Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ119[ 1 ]A3.2.7 (HL)—Analysing cladograms
May 2015Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ13[ 6 ]A3.2.7 (HL)—Analysing cladograms
November 2014Paper3 ["HL"] · TZ03[ 6 ]A3.2.7 (HL)—Analysing cladograms
Practice this objective

Coverage 2013–2025 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • The root is the common ancestor of all taxa shown in a cladogram.
  • A node represents a common ancestor or divergence point.
  • Closer relatives share a more recent common ancestor.
  • The sequence of nodes shows probable order of divergence.
  • Cladograms are hypotheses that can change with new evidence.
ConceptIB Biology HL