Step 3: Construct the Phylogenetic TreeNow, we use the distance matrix to construct the phylogenetic tree.1. Identify the Outgroup: The platypus is the most distantly related species and serves as the outgroup.2. Cluster the Closest Species First:o Coyote and Cat have the smallest distance (1), indicating they are closely related.o Mink and Coyote/Cat cluster together.o Monkey and Mink cluster next.o Opossum is slightly more distant than Monkey.o Deer and Rabbit form another close cluster.3. Merge Clusters into a Hierarchical Tree:o The Platypus is the most basal (root of the tree).o Herbivores (Rabbit & Deer) form one group.o Carnivores (Coyote, Mink, and Cat) form another.o Opossum, Monkey, and Mink appear more closely related than Deer/Rabbit.