Multiple Choice
In cladistics, what groups form a clade?
25. Phylogeny
Cladistics
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According to the tree below, “Fish” should most likely be considered what type of group?
A
Monophyletic.
B
Polyphyletic.
C
Paraphyletic.
Verified step by step guidance1
Examine the phylogenetic tree provided in the image. Notice that the group labeled 'Fish' includes both the shark and the bony fish.
Understand the definitions of the terms: Monophyletic, Polyphyletic, and Paraphyletic. A monophyletic group includes an ancestor and all of its descendants. A polyphyletic group includes species with different ancestors. A paraphyletic group includes an ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants.
Identify the common ancestor for the group labeled 'Fish'. In the tree, the common ancestor of the shark and bony fish is also shared with other vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Recognize that the group labeled 'Fish' does not include all descendants of their common ancestor, as it excludes amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. This indicates that 'Fish' is a paraphyletic group.
Conclude that 'Fish' should be considered a paraphyletic group because it includes the common ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants, excluding other vertebrate groups.
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