Five different phylogenetic trees of a group of wild tomato species have been proposed.Trees A and B each require 16 homoplasies, but tree A requires 20 synapomorphies and tree B requires 22 synapomorphies.Tree C requires 17 homoplasies and 12 synapomorphies.Tree D requires 14 homoplasies and 21 synapomorphies.Finally, tree E requires 19 homoplasies and 11 synapomorphies.According to the principle of parsimony, which tree is the best?
A) Tree A
B) Tree B
C) Tree C
D) Tree D
E) Tree E

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of parsimony states that the simplest explanation is often the most accurate. In this case, the tree with the fewest homoplasies and the most synapomorphies would be the simplest and most likely accurate. Tree D has the fewest homoplasies and the second most synapomorphies, making it the best choice according to the principle of parsimony.

Five Different Phylogenetic Trees of a Group of Wild Tomato