Which of the following statements is accurate with regard to a phylogeny, as represented by a phylogenetic tree?
A) Descendant groups (branches) from the same node likely share many derived characters.
B) A monophyletic group can be properly based on convergent features.
C) The ancestral group often has all the derived characters of the descendant species.
D) Shared ancestral characters are excellent traits to use in developing a phylogeny.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Descendant groups (branches) from the same node share a common ancestor and, therefore, are more likely to share derived characters.

Answer: B
 A monophyletic group should be based on shared derived characters and not on convergent features.

Answer: C
 The ancestral group may have some, but not all, of the derived characters of the descendant species.

Answer: D
 Shared ancestral characters are not very useful in developing a phylogeny because they are present in many species and do not provide information about the evolutionary relationships between groups.

Which of the Following Statements Is Accurate with Regard to a Phylogeny