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Multiple Choice
In cladistics, what groups form a clade?
A
A group consisting of organisms with similar morphological traits
B
A group consisting of an ancestor and all its descendants
C
A group consisting of species that share a common habitat
D
A group consisting of species with similar ecological niches
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a clade: In cladistics, a clade is a group of organisms that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants. This is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology.
Differentiate between morphological traits and evolutionary lineage: While organisms in a clade may share morphological traits, the defining feature of a clade is the shared ancestry, not just similar physical characteristics.
Consider the role of common ancestry: A clade is defined by a common ancestor and all its descendants, which means it is a monophyletic group. This is different from groups formed based on habitat or ecological niches.
Evaluate the options: Compare each option to the definition of a clade. The correct option should reflect the inclusion of an ancestor and all its descendants.
Conclude with the correct definition: A clade is best described as a group consisting of an ancestor and all its descendants, which aligns with the principles of cladistics.