Genetics Question : UPGMA

[Sohcahtoa]

I have a question about UPGMA.

Given the amino acid sequences of various organisms I am able to determine the distance matrix without any problems. My problem lies in formulating the phylogenetic tree from this information. I know that the distance from one animal to another is the addition of all the 'branches' that connect them. I just dont know how to formulate the tree and where all the numbers come from, specifically the numbers on outward lying 'branches'. For an example see the following link: http://www.icp.ucl.ac.be/~opperd/private/images/image6.gif

My question is referring to how one knows to put 1's on the outlying branches, and not 0.5's for instance. Sorry if my question is confusing, but its hard to ask without being able to point at a picture. Thanks.

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[Vihsadas]

I don't remember this type of phylogenetic analysis being tested on the MCAT. Where did this problem come from?

 

[Sohcahtoa]

it came from my genetics book, not MCAT materials. perhaps i put this in the wrong forum?

 

[MedStudentWanna]

You're not supposed to ask homework problems on these forums.

 

[Vihsadas]

This forum is meant only for MCAT Q&A. Please don't ask non-MCAT related assignment questions in the future. Thanks!