Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
In the context of phylogeny, how is a derived character different from other shared traits of a clade?
A
A derived character is a trait that evolved in the most recent common ancestor of the clade and is unique to that clade.
B
A derived character is unique to a single species within the clade.
C
A derived character is a trait that is shared by all members of the clade but also found in distant relatives.
D
A derived character is a trait that is found in all living organisms, not just the clade.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of phylogeny: Phylogeny refers to the evolutionary history and relationships among species or groups of species. It is often represented in a phylogenetic tree, which shows how different species are related through common ancestors.
Define a clade: A clade is a group of organisms that includes a single common ancestor and all its descendants. Clades are identified based on shared characteristics that are inherited from the common ancestor.
Identify shared traits: Shared traits are characteristics that are common among members of a clade. These traits can be inherited from a common ancestor and may also be found in other related groups outside the clade.
Explain derived characters: A derived character is a trait that evolved in the most recent common ancestor of a clade and is unique to that clade. It distinguishes members of the clade from other organisms and is not found in distant relatives.
Differentiate derived characters from other shared traits: Unlike other shared traits that may be found in distant relatives, derived characters are unique to the clade and evolved specifically in its most recent common ancestor, making them a key feature for identifying and defining the clade.