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Multiple Choice
Which of the following groups is most closely related to mammals on a cladogram of terrestrial vertebrates?
A
Reptiles
B
Fish
C
Birds
D
Amphibians
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a cladogram: A cladogram is a diagram that shows evolutionary relationships among organisms based on shared derived characteristics. It helps identify which groups are most closely related.
Recall the evolutionary history of terrestrial vertebrates: Mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and fish are all part of the vertebrate lineage, but they diverged at different points in evolutionary history.
Identify shared derived traits: Mammals share more recent common ancestors with reptiles and birds than with fish or amphibians. For example, reptiles and mammals both have amniotic eggs, a trait that distinguishes them from amphibians and fish.
Consider the placement of groups on a cladogram: On a cladogram, groups that are more closely related will branch off from a common ancestor closer to each other. Mammals and reptiles share a more recent common ancestor compared to mammals and fish or mammals and amphibians.
Conclude based on evolutionary relationships: Reptiles are most closely related to mammals on a cladogram of terrestrial vertebrates because they share a more recent common ancestor compared to the other groups listed.