When choosing among competing cladograms,the preferred hypothesis is the one that is the simplest for all characters and their states.This is also known as
A)the maximum likelihood approach.
B)the principle of parsimony.
C)the Bayesian method.
D)the molecular clock.
E)the cladistic approach.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of parsimony, also known as Occam's razor, states that the explanation that requires the fewest assumptions is the most likely to be correct. This principle applies to the selection of the preferred hypothesis among competing cladograms. Therefore, the preferred hypothesis is the one that is the simplest for all characters and their states.

When Choosing Among Competing Cladograms,the Preferred Hypothesis Is the One