Which of the following statements best describes the rationale for applying the principle of maximum parsimony in constructing phylogenetic trees?
A) Parsimony allows the researcher to "root" the tree.
B) Similarity due to common ancestry should be more common than similarity due to convergent evolution.
C) The molecular clock validates the principle of parsimony.
D) The outgroup roots the tree, allowing the principle of parsimony to be applied.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of maximum parsimony assumes that the simplest explanation or the tree that requires the fewest evolutionary changes is most likely the correct one. This is because similarity due to convergent evolution is less likely than similarity due to common ancestry, and thus, the tree that requires the fewest convergent events is most parsimonious.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes the Rationale for Applying