The approach to estimating phylogenetic trees is most similar to the approach of which species concept?

• A. Phylogenetic species concept
• B. Ecological species concept
• C. Morphological species concept
• D. Biological species concept

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of phylogenetic trees: Phylogenetic trees are diagrams that represent evolutionary relationships among species based on shared ancestry. They are constructed using genetic, morphological, or other types of data.
2. Review the phylogenetic species concept: This concept defines species based on their evolutionary history and shared ancestry. It emphasizes the identification of species as the smallest group of individuals that share a common ancestor.
3. Compare the phylogenetic species concept to other species concepts: The biological species concept focuses on reproductive isolation, the morphological species concept relies on physical traits, and the ecological species concept emphasizes the role of ecological niches. None of these directly align with the method of constructing phylogenetic trees, which is based on evolutionary relationships.
4. Recognize the similarity: The approach to estimating phylogenetic trees is most similar to the phylogenetic species concept because both rely on evolutionary history and shared ancestry to define relationships.
5. Conclude the reasoning: Since phylogenetic trees and the phylogenetic species concept both focus on evolutionary relationships, the correct answer is the phylogenetic species concept.