Which of the following is used by phylogeneticists specifically when constructing a cladogram?
A) shared derived characteristics
B) homologous structures
C) morphological data
D) convergent evolution
E) DNA sequences

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shared derived characteristics are used by phylogeneticists specifically when constructing a cladogram because they are the only type of characteristic that can be used to infer the evolutionary relationships between organisms. Homologous structures are not always shared derived characteristics, and morphological data can be misleading due to convergent evolution. DNA sequences can be used to construct cladograms, but they are not the only type of data that can be used.

Which of the Following Is Used by Phylogeneticists Specifically When