Which morphological trait would a biologist most likely exclude from use in phylogenetic analysis?
A) One whose genetic basis is known down to specific nucleotides
B) One that is heritable but in which the specific genes that affect the trait are not yet known
C) One in which the offspring resemble parents
D) One that is highly subject to environmental modification
E) One that is visible to the naked eye

Question

Which morphological trait would a biologist most likely exclude from use in phylogenetic analysis?
A) One whose genetic basis is known down to specific nucleotides
B) One that is heritable but in which the specific genes that affect the trait are not yet known
C) One in which the offspring resemble parents
D) One that is highly subject to environmental modification
E) One that is visible to the naked eye

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Morphological traits that are highly subject to environmental modification may not accurately reflect evolutionary relationships between organisms and therefore are often excluded from phylogenetic analysis.

Which Morphological Trait Would a Biologist Most Likely Exclude from Use