What does a cladogram illustrate about organisms?

A cladogram serves as a visual representation of the evolutionary relationships among various organisms. It is constructed based on shared characteristics and common ancestry, allowing scientists to infer how closely related different species are to one another. The branching points, or nodes, in a cladogram indicate where species diverged from a common ancestor, highlighting the evolutionary paths that have led to the current diversity of life.

By focusing on shared derived traits, a cladogram effectively illustrates how different organisms have evolved over time, making it a powerful tool in the study of phylogenetics. This method of organization helps scientists understand the lineage and evolutionary history of species, providing insights into their development and the traits they share due to common ancestry.