What is a branch point on a cladogram?

A branch point on a cladogram represents a common ancestor of the groups that stem from that point. It is where the evolutionary lineage splits into two or more separate groups, each following its own unique evolutionary path. The branch point is usually depicted as a node on a branching diagram, with lines extending from it to represent the diverging lineages. The length of the branches can indicate the amount of evolutionary change that has occurred since the common ancestor. By analyzing branch points on a cladogram, scientists can infer relationships between different species and groups and understand their evolutionary history.