Biologists studying a clade of birds are interested in whether a morphological feature of this clade is ancestral or derived.Which approach would best address this question?
A) More detailed morphological analysis of that trait, such as can be determined with a CT scanner
B) Determining the genetic basis of the trait
C) Use of the fossil record, especially near the root of the tree
D) Focusing on the ingroup
E) DNA analysis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Use of the fossil record, especially near the root of the tree, can help determine whether a morphological feature is ancestral or derived. If ancestral fossils are found with the same feature, it suggests that the feature is ancestral. If only derived fossils with the feature are found, it suggests the feature is derived. This approach can provide important information about the evolution of a clade.

Biologists Studying a Clade of Birds Are Interested in Whether