Question 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

To show the evolutionary pathways and relationships among organisms or groups of organisms.

Question 2

In a phylogenetic tree, what does the 'root' represent?

Accepted Answer

The most recent common ancestor of all organisms in the tree.

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct order of taxonomic classification from most inclusive to least inclusive?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 4

A branch point (node) on a phylogenetic tree represents:

Accepted Answer

A common ancestor shared by the lineages branching from that point.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about phylogenetic trees is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

A phylogenetic tree shows patterns of descent, not necessarily phenotypic similarity.

Question 6

If two species are classified as 'sister taxa' on a phylogenetic tree, what does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

They share an immediate common ancestor not shared by any other group.

Question 7

Which of the following is a limitation of phylogenetic trees?

Accepted Answer

They do not always indicate the amount of evolutionary time between branch points.

Question 8

A polytomy in a phylogenetic tree indicates:

Accepted Answer

An unresolved pattern of divergence where more than two lineages branch from a single node.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why lizards and rabbits both having amniotic eggs does NOT mean they are more closely related than lizards and frogs?

Accepted Answer

Similar traits can evolve independently in different lineages due to convergent evolution.

Question 10

Which taxonomic level is immediately more specific than 'family'?

Accepted Answer

Genus

Question 11

A scientist is studying the evolutionary history of a group of organisms. She constructs a phylogenetic tree and notices that one branch leads to both plants and animals. According to the classification system, which domain does this branch most likely represent?

Accepted Answer

Eukarya

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a subspecies?

Accepted Answer

Canis lupus familiaris

Question 13

If a phylogenetic tree shows that two groups share a more recent common ancestor with each other than with any other group, what can be inferred?

Accepted Answer

They are more closely related to each other than to any other group in the tree.

Question 14

Which of the following statements about taxonomic classification is correct?

Accepted Answer

Each level of classification groups organisms that share more characteristics as you move from domain to species.

Question 15

A student claims that the length of branches in a phylogenetic tree always represents the amount of time since divergence. Is this claim correct? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

No, unless specified, branch length does not indicate time; it only shows relationships.

Question 16

Which of the following best describes the difference between taxonomy and phylogeny?

Accepted Answer

Taxonomy is the classification of organisms, while phylogeny is the study of their evolutionary relationships.

Question 17

A scientist discovers a new organism with a vertebral column, hinged jaw, and amniotic egg. According to the phylogenetic tree in the study materials, which of the following is the organism LEAST likely to be closely related to?

Accepted Answer

Lamprey

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct interpretation of a branch rotation at a node in a phylogenetic tree?

Accepted Answer

Branch rotation does not change the evolutionary relationships depicted by the tree.

Question 19

A grocery store organizes its products into broad categories (produce, dairy, meat), then further divides each into more specific groups (fruits, vegetables, etc.). This is most similar to which biological concept?

Accepted Answer

Taxonomic classification

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a reason why scientists use DNA technology in classification?

Accepted Answer

DNA technology always confirms traditional classifications based on physical traits.

Systematics, Phylogenetic Trees, and Taxonomic Classification

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