Question 1

Which of the following best describes a monophyletic group in a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

A group that includes an ancestor and all of its descendants.

Question 2

In the binomial naming system, which of the following is the correct way to write the scientific name for humans?

Accepted Answer

$$Homo\ sapiens$$

Question 3

A branch point on a phylogenetic tree represents:

Accepted Answer

The most recent common ancestor of the lineages diverging from that point.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a correct order of taxonomic ranks from most specific to most general?

Accepted Answer

Genus, species, family, order, class, phylum, kingdom, domain

Question 5

Which of the following statements about sister taxa is correct?

Accepted Answer

Sister taxa share an immediate common ancestor and are each other's closest relatives.

Question 6

Which of the following features of a phylogenetic tree can be changed without altering the evolutionary relationships depicted?

Accepted Answer

The order of taxa at the tips (as long as branch points are preserved).

Question 7

A group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants is called:

Accepted Answer

A paraphyletic group

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a derived character (synapomorphy) in mammals?

Accepted Answer

Hair

Question 9

Scientists use both homologies and analogies to determine phylogenetic relationships. Which statement best explains their use?

Accepted Answer

Homologies are used because they indicate shared ancestry, while analogies result from convergent evolution and do not indicate close relationships.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a polyphyletic group?

Accepted Answer

Marine mammals (such as whales and seals) grouped together, excluding their terrestrial relatives.

Question 11

If two species are classified in the same family but different genera, which of the following must also be true?

Accepted Answer

They belong to the same order.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes an ancestral character?

Accepted Answer

A trait that originated in an ancestor of the group and is present in all descendants.

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct sequence of taxonomic ranks from most inclusive to least inclusive?

Accepted Answer

Domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species

Question 14

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of a clade?

Accepted Answer

All birds and their most recent common ancestor, including all descendants.

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the Linnaean classification system is correct?

Accepted Answer

It organizes species into a hierarchy of increasingly broad groups.

Question 16

A researcher is comparing the wings of bats and birds. She finds that both have wings, but the underlying bone structures are different. What does this suggest?

Accepted Answer

The wings are analogous structures, resulting from convergent evolution.

Question 17

Which of the following is true regarding the evolutionary relationship between two sister taxa on a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

Neither evolved from the other; both share a common ancestor.

Question 18

Which of the following is an example of a binomial species name following the correct conventions?

Accepted Answer

$$Canis\ lupus$$

Question 19

A scientist is constructing a phylogenetic tree using DNA sequences. Which type of evidence is she using?

Accepted Answer

Molecular homology

Question 20

Which of the following best describes a taxon?

Accepted Answer

A named group of organisms at any level of the classification hierarchy.

Chapter 26: Phylogeny and the Tree of Life – Study Notes

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard