Species A and B have long wings, whereas species C has short wings.Which piece of evidence would best support the hypothesis that long wings are a synapomorphy?
A) Fossil evidence showing that the common ancestor of species A, B, and C had long wings
B) DNA evidence showing that species B and C are sister species
C) DNA evidence showing that species A and C are sister species
D) Fossil evidence showing that the common ancestor of species A, B, and C had short wings
E) Evidence showing that species A and B live in an environment that favors long wings, whereas species C lives in an environment that favors short wings

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

For long wings to be a synapomorphy, they must have evolved after the divergence from a common ancestor that did not have long wings. Fossil evidence showing the common ancestor had short wings supports this.

Species a and B Have Long Wings, Whereas Species C