Refer to the figure. This phylogenetic tree shows the predicted evolutionary relationships between protists and other eukaryotes.Based on the tree, _______ are a _______ group.
A) protists; monophyletic
B) protists; polyphyletic
C) protists; paraphyletic
D) eukaryotes; polyphyletic
E) eukaryotes; paraphyletic

Question

Refer to the figure.  This phylogenetic tree shows the predicted evolutionary relationships between protists and other eukaryotes.Based on the tree, _______ are a _______ group.
A) protists; monophyletic 
B) protists; polyphyletic 
C) protists; paraphyletic 
D) eukaryotes; polyphyletic 
E) eukaryotes; paraphyletic

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the tree, protists are a paraphyletic group, as they include the common ancestor of all eukaryotes excluding animals, fungi, and plants, but not all its descendants.

Refer to the Figure