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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements is correct regarding a phylogenetic tree?
A
A phylogenetic tree shows the chronological order of species appearance but not their evolutionary relationships.
B
All branches in a phylogenetic tree represent extinct species only.
C
A phylogenetic tree illustrates the evolutionary relationships among different species based on shared ancestry.
D
The length of each branch in a phylogenetic tree always represents the number of genes in each species.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of a phylogenetic tree. A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among various species based on shared ancestry. It is constructed using data such as genetic, morphological, or molecular similarities.
Step 2: Analyze the first statement: 'A phylogenetic tree shows the chronological order of species appearance but not their evolutionary relationships.' This is incorrect because a phylogenetic tree primarily illustrates evolutionary relationships, not just the chronological order of species appearance.
Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'All branches in a phylogenetic tree represent extinct species only.' This is incorrect because branches in a phylogenetic tree can represent both extinct and extant (currently living) species.
Step 4: Examine the third statement: 'A phylogenetic tree illustrates the evolutionary relationships among different species based on shared ancestry.' This is correct because the primary purpose of a phylogenetic tree is to show how species are related through common ancestors.
Step 5: Assess the fourth statement: 'The length of each branch in a phylogenetic tree always represents the number of genes in each species.' This is incorrect because the length of branches in a phylogenetic tree can represent various factors, such as time or genetic divergence, but not necessarily the number of genes in a species.