When selecting among multiple possible phylogenetic trees that fit our data, we commonly use the principle of _____, which means we choose the _____ possible hypothesis. In phylogenetic analysis, that means selecting the tree that represents the _____ evolutionary changes or mutations.
A)parsimony; simplest; fewest
B)parsimony; simplest; most
C)parsimony; most; likely
D)phylogenetics; simplest; fewest
E)phylogenetics; simplest; most

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of parsimony requires choosing the simplest possible explanation that fits the data, which in phylogenetic analysis means selecting the tree that requires the fewest evolutionary changes or mutations.

When Selecting Among Multiple Possible Phylogenetic Trees That Fit Our