Nothing close enough? Start from a blank phylogenetic tree → Describe it in one paragraph.
How to use a phylogenetic tree template.
- 01Choose a starting point
Open the animal phylogenetic tree maker and select a template from the gallery (e.g., Bird Phylogeny, Vertebrate Phylogeny) or start with a blank canvas.
- 02Add and label species
Enter the names of the animals or taxa you want to include. The tool automatically positions them as leaves on the tree.
- 03Define relationships
Connect species to show common ancestors, branching order, and evolutionary distance. Drag branches to adjust the hierarchy.
- 04Customize appearance
Change colors, fonts, and line styles to match your presentation or publication requirements. Add labels for clades or time scales if needed.
- 05Export and share
Download your animal phylogenetic tree as PNG, SVG, or PDF, or share a live link for collaboration.
Questions about phylogenetic tree templates
How do I read an animal phylogenetic tree?
The root represents the most recent common ancestor of all species shown. Branching points (nodes) indicate where lineages diverged. Species that share a more recent node are more closely related. The tips (leaves) represent extant or extinct taxa.
What is the difference between a cladogram and a phylogram?
A cladogram shows only branching order (topology), while a phylogram’s branch lengths are proportional to evolutionary change or time. Our maker supports both styles; you can adjust branch lengths to reflect genetic distance or divergence times.
Can I use these animal phylogenetic tree examples for my own project?
Yes. The examples are fully editable—click any of them to open it in the editor. You can modify species, rearrange branches, and customize the design before exporting it for your own use.
Which animals are most closely related in a typical phylogenetic tree?
It depends on the taxa included. For example, in the vertebrate tree, birds are more closely related to crocodilians than to mammals. Our examples illustrate such relationships clearly; you can explore them by opening the diagrams.
Do I need to know evolutionary biology to create an animal phylogenetic tree?
No. The maker is designed for both experts and beginners. You can start from a template, edit the labels, and the tool handles the visual layout. For advanced features like bootstrap values or time calibration, you can add annotations manually.