The following eight questions refer to Figure 32.2A (morphological) and Figure 32.2B (molecular) phylogenetic trees of the animal kingdom.

Figure 32.2A: Morphological Phylogeny

Figure 32.2B: Molecular Phylogeny
-If the traditional phylogeny (Fig. 32.2A)eventually becomes obsolete, the formerly close relationship depicted between the annelids and arthropods will probably be viewed, in retrospect, as an instance of
A)scientific fraud.
B)lack of objectivity on the parts of arrogant or egotistical scientists.
C)scientists having mistakenly identified analogous features as homologous features.
D)the inherent invalidity of all evolutionary biology.
E)an evolutionary relationship that modern scientists had "set in stone," now having crumbled.

Question

The following eight questions refer to Figure 32.2A (morphological) and Figure 32.2B (molecular) phylogenetic trees of the animal kingdom.
  
Figure 32.2A: Morphological Phylogeny
  
Figure 32.2B: Molecular Phylogeny
-If the traditional phylogeny (Fig. 32.2A)eventually becomes obsolete, the formerly close relationship depicted between the annelids and arthropods will probably be viewed, in retrospect, as an instance of
A)scientific fraud. 
B)lack of objectivity on the parts of arrogant or egotistical scientists. 
C)scientists having mistakenly identified analogous features as homologous features. 
D)the inherent invalidity of all evolutionary biology. 
E)an evolutionary relationship that modern scientists had "set in stone," now having crumbled.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The close relationship between annelids and arthropods is based on analogous features, but if the traditional phylogeny becomes obsolete, it may be realized that these features were not homologous (having a common evolutionary origin). This would not be due to scientific fraud or lack of objectivity, but rather a result of advancing knowledge and understanding in evolutionary biology. The inherent validity of evolutionary biology is not in question.

The Following Eight Questions Refer to Figure 32