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Multiple Choice
A diagram depicting evolutionary relationships based on shared derived characters is called a:
A
pedigree
B
karyotype
C
phylogenetic tree
D
cladogram
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the key terms in the question: 'evolutionary relationships' refers to how different species or groups are related to one another through common ancestry, and 'shared derived characters' are traits that are unique to a particular group and not found in distant ancestors.
Recognize that diagrams used to depict evolutionary relationships include cladograms, phylogenetic trees, pedigrees, and karyotypes. Each serves a different purpose in biology.
Clarify the definitions: A pedigree is a chart showing inheritance patterns of traits within a family. A karyotype is a visual representation of chromosomes in a cell. A phylogenetic tree shows evolutionary relationships but may not focus specifically on shared derived characters. A cladogram specifically emphasizes shared derived characters to show evolutionary relationships.
Identify that the question asks for a diagram based on shared derived characters, which is the defining feature of a cladogram.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'cladogram' because it is the diagram that explicitly represents evolutionary relationships based on shared derived characters.