One widely used method of examining evolutionary relationships is ________, which is based on the assumption that evolution is most likely to have proceeded by the path requiring fewest changes.
A) topology
B) neighbor joining
C) parsimony
D) systematics

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parsimony is a widely used method of examining evolutionary relationships based on the assumption that evolution is most likely to have proceeded by the path requiring fewest changes. This means that the simplest explanation is usually the best explanation. The other choices, topology, neighbor joining, and systematics, are related to phylogenetics, but do not specifically reflect the assumption of parsimony.

One Widely Used Method of Examining Evolutionary Relationships Is ________