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Multiple Choice
Which of the following represents a monophyletic group?
A
A group consisting of all descendants of a common ancestor
B
A group consisting of species with similar traits but different ancestors
C
A group consisting of species that share a habitat
D
A group consisting of species with convergent evolution
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a monophyletic group: In biology, a monophyletic group, also known as a clade, includes an ancestor and all of its descendants. This is a key concept in phylogenetics, which is the study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities.
Identify the characteristics of a monophyletic group: It must include all species that descended from a common ancestor, without excluding any descendants. This ensures that the group is complete and accurately represents evolutionary lineage.
Differentiate between monophyletic and other types of groups: A polyphyletic group consists of species with similar traits but different ancestors, while a paraphyletic group includes some but not all descendants of a common ancestor. Convergent evolution refers to species developing similar traits independently, not due to shared ancestry.
Evaluate the options given in the problem: Look for the option that describes a group including all descendants of a common ancestor, as this is the definition of a monophyletic group.
Select the correct option: Based on the understanding of monophyletic groups, choose the option that accurately represents a group consisting of all descendants of a common ancestor.