Multiple Choice
According to a phylogenetic tree, which of the following statements is correct?
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25. Phylogeny
Introduction to Phylogeny
Multiple Choice
Use the phylogenetic tree to the right to determine which statement below is true.
A
All three species are equally related to each other.
B
Species B and Species C are more closely related to each other than to Species A.
C
Species A diverged from the common ancestor before Species B and C diverged from each other.
D
Species A and Species B share a more recent common ancestor with each other than with Species C.
Verified step by step guidance1
Examine the phylogenetic tree carefully to identify the branching points (nodes) that represent common ancestors shared by the species.
Determine the relative positions of Species A, B, and C on the tree and note which species share a more recent common ancestor.
Understand that species sharing a more recent common ancestor are more closely related to each other than to species that diverged earlier.
Compare the branching points: check if Species A and Species B share a node closer to the present than the node connecting them to Species C.
Conclude that Species A and Species B share a more recent common ancestor with each other than with Species C, based on the structure of the phylogenetic tree.
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