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Multiple Choice
In the context of taxonomy, what are derived characters?
A
Traits that are shared by all living organisms
B
Traits that have evolved in a particular lineage and are not found in the ancestor
C
Traits that are present in an ancestral species and all of its descendants
D
Traits that are lost during the course of evolution
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of the question: Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms, and derived characters are traits used to determine evolutionary relationships.
Recognize that derived characters, also known as synapomorphies, are traits that have evolved in a specific lineage and are not present in the common ancestor of that lineage.
Differentiate derived characters from ancestral traits (plesiomorphies), which are traits inherited from a common ancestor and shared by all descendants.
Derived characters are important in constructing phylogenetic trees because they help identify evolutionary branches and relationships between species.
To answer the question, focus on the definition of derived characters: traits that have evolved in a particular lineage and are not found in the ancestor.