Phylogenetics is the study of evolutionary relationships between organisms and how they are related through common ancestry. Phylogenetic trees graphically represent hypotheses of ancestor-descendent relationships. They can be constructed using morphological, physiological, or molecular data to identify shared derived character states that cluster organisms into monophyletic groups. Parsimony seeks to minimize evolutionary changes and identify the most parsimonious tree. Phylogenies are useful for studying questions about evolution, biogeography, and coevolution.