What is an Outgroup?

1 Answer
Linica Uday
Mar 16, 2018

An outgroup is a group of organisms not belonging to the group where evolutionary relationships are being investigated.

Explanation:

The out group is used as a point of comparison for the ingroup and specifically allows for the phylogeny to be rooted. It helps to assess which characteristics of the group being studied are more widely distributed and may therefore be older in origin. It also serves as a reference group when determining the evolutionary relationships of the ingroup, and is distinct from sociological outgroups.

The choice of outgroup is essential for understanding the evolution of traits along a phylogeny.

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