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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes a cladogram in the context of biological taxonomy?
A
A chart that lists all known species within a particular genus.
B
A map showing the geographic distribution of different species.
C
A table that organizes organisms by their physical appearance only.
D
A diagram that shows evolutionary relationships among organisms based on shared derived characteristics.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a cladogram: A cladogram is a diagram used in biological taxonomy to represent evolutionary relationships among organisms based on shared derived characteristics, which are traits inherited from a common ancestor.
Recognize that a cladogram is not a chart listing all species within a genus, as it focuses on evolutionary relationships rather than a simple list.
Note that a cladogram is not a geographic map, as it does not depict the physical locations of species but rather their evolutionary connections.
Clarify that a cladogram does not organize organisms solely by physical appearance. Instead, it uses shared derived characteristics, which may include molecular, genetic, or anatomical traits.
Conclude that the correct description of a cladogram is: 'A diagram that shows evolutionary relationships among organisms based on shared derived characteristics.' This emphasizes its role in illustrating how species are related through common ancestry.