Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of phylogeny?

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary history of a species or group of related species.

Question 2

Carolus Linnaeus is known for introducing which two key features in taxonomy?

Accepted Answer

Binomial nomenclature and hierarchical classification.

Question 3

In binomial nomenclature, which part of the name is unique to each species within a genus?

Accepted Answer

The species name.

Question 4

Which taxonomic rank is immediately above genus in the hierarchical classification system?

Accepted Answer

Family

Question 5

A phylogenetic tree can be rotated around a branch point without changing which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The evolutionary relationships among taxa.

Question 6

What is a basal taxon in a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

A taxon that diverges early and resembles the common ancestor.

Question 7

Which statement about phylogenetic trees is correct?

Accepted Answer

They show evolutionary history, not phenotypic similarity.

Question 8

Homology is defined as:

Accepted Answer

Similarity due to shared ancestry.

Question 9

Which of the following is an example of analogy?

Accepted Answer

The limbless bodies of snakes and legless lizards.

Question 10

A clade must be which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Monophyletic

Question 11

Which group includes an ancestral species and all its descendants?

Accepted Answer

Monophyletic group

Question 12

A shared derived character is:

Accepted Answer

An evolutionary novelty unique to a particular clade.

Question 13

In a phylogenetic analysis, what is the purpose of using an outgroup?

Accepted Answer

To differentiate between shared derived and shared ancestral characters.

Question 14

Which of the following statements is true regarding the classification of species?

Accepted Answer

Classification may change based on new data, such as newly discovered fossils.

Question 15

Which equation represents the hierarchical classification from broadest to most specific?

Accepted Answer

$$	ext{Domain} ightarrow 	ext{Kingdom} ightarrow 	ext{Phylum} ightarrow 	ext{Class} ightarrow 	ext{Order} ightarrow 	ext{Family} ightarrow 	ext{Genus} ightarrow 	ext{Species}$$

Question 16

If two species share a common ancestor that is not shared by any other group, they are considered:

Accepted Answer

Sister taxa

Question 17

Which of the following is a shared ancestral character in mammals?

Accepted Answer

Mammary glands

Question 18

Which scenario best illustrates convergent evolution?

Accepted Answer

Two unrelated species developing similar adaptations due to similar environmental pressures.

Question 19

Which of the following statements about monophyletic, paraphyletic, and polyphyletic groups is correct?

Accepted Answer

A paraphyletic group includes an ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants.

Question 20

Which of the following is true about the topology of phylogenetic trees?

Accepted Answer

The relationships between taxa remain the same regardless of tree orientation.

Phylogeny and the Tree of Life – Chapter 26 Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards