A taxon that diverges earlier than the other taxa being considered in cladistic analysis is a(n):
A) clade.
B) outgroup.
C) shared taxon.
D) derived taxon.
E) homologous taxon.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An outgroup in cladistic analysis is a taxon or group of taxa that diverges earlier than the taxa being studied. It is used as a reference group for determining the evolutionary relationships among the taxa being analyzed, helping to identify derived characteristics shared by the ingroup taxa.

A Taxon That Diverges Earlier Than the Other Taxa Being