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Multiple Choice
Which of the following conclusions is consistent with the information in an evolutionary tree?
A
The species at the tips of the tree are the ancestors of those at the base.
B
Evolutionary trees show the exact time when each species evolved.
C
Species that share a more recent common ancestor are more closely related.
D
All species on the tree evolved at the same rate.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure of an evolutionary tree. An evolutionary tree, also known as a phylogenetic tree, represents the evolutionary relationships among various species. The tips of the tree represent current species, while the nodes (branch points) represent common ancestors.
Step 2: Clarify the concept of common ancestors. Species that share a more recent common ancestor (closer to the tips of the tree) are more closely related than species that diverged earlier (closer to the base of the tree).
Step 3: Address the incorrect statement that species at the tips are ancestors of those at the base. This is false because the tips represent current species, not ancestral ones.
Step 4: Explain why evolutionary trees do not show exact times of evolution. Evolutionary trees depict relationships, not precise timelines. The length of branches may sometimes indicate relative time, but exact dates are not provided.
Step 5: Discuss the rate of evolution. The statement that all species evolved at the same rate is incorrect because evolutionary rates can vary depending on environmental pressures, genetic factors, and other influences.