Based on this tree, which statement is correct?

A) The human lineage is a basal taxon.
B) Salamanders are a sister group to the group containing lizards, goats, and humans.
C) Salamanders are as closely related to lizards as to humans.
D) Goats are more closely related to salamanders than to humans.

Question

Based on this tree, which statement is correct?

A) The human lineage is a basal taxon. 
B) Salamanders are a sister group to the group containing lizards, goats, and humans. 
C) Salamanders are as closely related to lizards as to humans. 
D) Goats are more closely related to salamanders than to humans.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the given tree, the group containing lizards, goats, and humans is a sister group to the salamander group. This means that salamanders are a sister group to the group containing lizards, goats, and humans, making option B the correct statement. Option A is incorrect because the human lineage is located towards the top of the tree, not at the base. Option C is incorrect because salamanders are not equally related to lizards and humans, but rather are more distantly related to the human lineage. Option D is incorrect because goats are not more closely related to salamanders than to humans based on the given tree.

Based on This Tree, Which Statement Is Correct