Question 1

Which of the following best describes a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

A diagram representing the evolutionary relationships among organisms based on shared ancestry.

Question 2

In a phylogenetic tree, what does a node represent?

Accepted Answer

A common ancestor from which descendant lineages diverge.

Question 3

Which of the following is a synapomorphy?

Accepted Answer

A shared derived trait that is evidence of common ancestry for a group.

Question 4

If two species share more traits, what does this most likely indicate about their evolutionary relationship?

Accepted Answer

They are more closely related.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a possible application of phylogenetics?

Accepted Answer

Predicting the weather patterns in a region.

Question 6

A monophyletic group (clade) includes:

Accepted Answer

All descendants of a common ancestor and that ancestor.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes homologous traits?

Accepted Answer

Traits inherited from a common ancestor.

Question 8

In a phylogenetic analysis, which type of trait provides the strongest evidence for common ancestry?

Accepted Answer

Homologous traits.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the order of lineages from the same node in a phylogenetic tree is correct?

Accepted Answer

The order is arbitrary and does not affect the interpretation of relationships.

Question 10

Which scenario best illustrates convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Two unrelated species independently evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

Question 11

If a phylogenetic tree groups organisms shaded in green as reptiles, are reptiles a clade in this tree?

Accepted Answer

No, because not all descendants of the common ancestor are included.

Question 12

Which of the following is a derived trait in birds according to phylogenetic analysis?

Accepted Answer

Feathers

Question 13

Which synapomorphy unites salamanders and lizards?

Accepted Answer

Keratinized scales

Question 14

Which of the following trees has a monophyletic group outlined?

Accepted Answer

Tree A

Question 15

What would you call the appearance of 'self-compatibility' in a phylogenetic tree if it evolved independently in two separate lineages?

Accepted Answer

A homoplasy

Question 16

Based on a phylogenetic tree, which lineage should share the most synapomorphies with the E lineage?

Accepted Answer

The F lineage

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the structure of a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

Branches represent evolutionary lineages and nodes represent common ancestors.

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT evidence of relatedness in phylogenetic analysis?

Accepted Answer

Similar traits resulting from convergent evolution.

Question 19

Which equation best represents the concept of descent with modification in evolutionary biology?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Descendant} = 	ext{Ancestor} + 	ext{Modifications}$$

Question 20

Which of the following is the preferred hypothesis when building a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

The tree that requires the fewest evolutionary changes (most parsimonious).

Phylogenetic History and Reconstruction: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions