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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements best describes the term synapomorphy?
A
A trait that is unique to a single species and not found in any other group.
B
A characteristic shared by a group of species that is inherited from a common ancestor.
C
A trait that appears in a single species but not in its ancestors.
D
A feature that is present in an ancestor but lost in its descendants.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the term 'synapomorphy': In evolutionary biology, a synapomorphy is a characteristic or trait that is shared by two or more taxa and is derived from their most recent common ancestor.
Differentiate synapomorphy from other terms: Unlike a trait unique to a single species (autapomorphy) or a trait lost in descendants (plesiomorphy), a synapomorphy is shared among a group due to inheritance from a common ancestor.
Identify the correct statement: The correct description of a synapomorphy is 'A characteristic shared by a group of species that is inherited from a common ancestor.'
Analyze the options: Compare each option to the definition of synapomorphy to determine which one aligns with the concept of shared derived traits.
Conclude with the correct choice: Confirm that the statement 'A characteristic shared by a group of species that is inherited from a common ancestor' best describes a synapomorphy.