Use the phylogenetic tree to the right to choose the true statement below.

• A. Species A is the most distantly related to all other species on the tree.
• B. All three species diverged from a common ancestor at the same time.
• C. Species A and B share a more recent common ancestor with each other than with Species C.
• D. Species B and C are more closely related to each other than to Species A.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Examine the phylogenetic tree provided. A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among species based on shared common ancestors.
2. Identify the branching points (nodes) on the tree. Each node represents a common ancestor shared by the species branching from that point.
3. Determine the relationship between Species A, B, and C by analyzing the nodes. Look for the most recent common ancestor shared by each pair of species.
4. Compare the positions of Species A, B, and C on the tree. If Species A and B share a more recent common ancestor with each other than with Species C, this indicates that A and B are more closely related to each other than to C.
5. Verify the statement that Species B and C are more closely related to each other than to Species A. If the tree shows that B and C share a more recent common ancestor than either does with A, this statement would be true. Use this analysis to confirm the correct answer.