What is common ancestor definition biology?

In biology, a common ancestor refers to an organism from which two or more diverse species evolved. This means that the current species share a common origin from a single ancestor.

A common ancestor can be traced back to a single cell or a group of cells that existed millions of years ago. As species evolved and diverged, some characteristics may have been lost, while others may have been retained.

Scientists use techniques such as comparative genomics, morphology, and molecular biology to study the relationships between different species and trace their origins back to a common ancestor.

The concept of a common ancestor is essential in the study of evolution and helps scientists understand the diversity of life on Earth and how different species are related.