Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

32. Vertebrates

Chordates

General Biology

32. Vertebrates

Chordates

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3:08 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

In Figure 34.25, which of the following is the sister taxon to the archosaurs?
a. Synapsids
b. Crocodilians
c. Turtles
d. Lepidosaurs

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of a sister taxon: In phylogenetics, a sister taxon refers to the closest relative or group to another taxon in a phylogenetic tree. They share a common ancestor that is not shared with any other group.

Review the phylogenetic tree in Figure 34.25: Locate the archosaurs on the tree. Archosaurs typically include birds and crocodilians.

Identify the branching point: Look for the node where the archosaurs branch off from other groups. This node will help you determine which group is the sister taxon.

Compare the options: Examine each of the given options (synapsids, crocodilians, turtles, lepidosaurs) and see which one shares the most recent common ancestor with archosaurs.

Select the correct sister taxon: Based on the tree structure, choose the group that is directly connected to the archosaurs at the branching point, indicating they are sister taxa.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Phylogenetic Trees

Phylogenetic trees are diagrams that depict the evolutionary relationships among various biological species based on similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics. Each branch point represents a divergence from a common ancestor, and sister taxa are groups that share an immediate common ancestor.

Archosaurs

Archosaurs are a group of diapsid reptiles that include birds, crocodilians, and extinct dinosaurs. They are characterized by specific skull and limb features. Understanding their evolutionary relationships helps in identifying their sister taxa, which are groups that diverged from the same ancestral node.

Sister Taxa

Sister taxa are two groups or species that are each other's closest relatives, sharing a most recent common ancestor. In phylogenetic trees, they are depicted as branches that split from the same node, indicating a close evolutionary relationship. Identifying sister taxa involves analyzing shared traits and genetic data.

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What trait(s) characterize the vertebrates?a. vertebrae and a craniumb. jaws and a spinal cordc. bony endoskeletond. notochord and post-anal tail

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What trait(s) characterize the vertebrates?

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Which clade does not include humans?

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Why were the Tiktaalik fossils an exciting discovery for scientists studying tetrapod evolution?

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Which of the following could be considered the most recent common ancestor of living tetrapods?

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b. An armored, jawed placoderm with two pairs of appendages

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In Figure 34.25, which of the following is the sister taxon to the archosaurs? a. Synapsids b. Crocodilians c. Turtles d. Lepidosaurs

Key Concepts

Phylogenetic Trees

Archosaurs

Sister Taxa

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In Figure 34.25, which of the following is the sister taxon to the archosaurs?
a. Synapsids
b. Crocodilians
c. Turtles
d. Lepidosaurs