Which of the following would be most useful in creating a phylogenetic tree of a taxon?
A) morphological data from fossil and living species
B) a knowledge of color patterns in fossil and living species
C) a knowledge of mutation rates in modern species
D) morphological data from fossil species

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Morphological data from fossil species are the most useful in creating a phylogenetic tree of a taxon as they provide information about the physical traits and characteristics of ancestors and descendants, allowing for the identification of evolutionary relationships between organisms. Data from living species may also be used, but may not show the full evolutionary history of a taxon, and knowledge of color patterns and mutation rates would only provide limited information for constructing a phylogenetic tree.

Which of the Following Would Be Most Useful in Creating