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Multiple Choice
Which statement best describes the difference between taxonomy and phylogeny?
A
Taxonomy is used only for plants, while phylogeny is used only for animals.
B
Taxonomy focuses on genetic similarities, whereas phylogeny is based solely on physical characteristics.
C
Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms, while phylogeny is the study of their evolutionary relationships.
D
Taxonomy and phylogeny are both concerned only with naming organisms.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the definitions of taxonomy and phylogeny. Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms into hierarchical groups based on shared characteristics, such as domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Phylogeny, on the other hand, is the study of evolutionary relationships among organisms, often represented as a phylogenetic tree.
Step 2: Clarify the scope of taxonomy and phylogeny. Taxonomy is concerned with organizing and naming organisms, providing a structured framework for identification. Phylogeny focuses on understanding how organisms are related through common ancestry and evolutionary history.
Step 3: Address the misconceptions in the provided statements. For example, taxonomy is not limited to plants, nor is phylogeny restricted to animals. Both fields apply to all living organisms. Additionally, taxonomy does not focus solely on genetic similarities, and phylogeny incorporates both genetic and physical characteristics to infer evolutionary relationships.
Step 4: Highlight the correct statement. Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms, while phylogeny is the study of their evolutionary relationships. This distinction emphasizes the complementary nature of these fields in biology.
Step 5: Conclude by explaining how taxonomy and phylogeny work together. Taxonomy provides a systematic way to name and categorize organisms, while phylogeny helps explain the evolutionary connections between those categories, enriching our understanding of biodiversity.