From a survey of Martian life, three hypothetical species are found.These are nicknamed krons, furs, and pars.If krons and furs are sister species, the resulting phylogenetic tree will have 45 homoplasies.If krons and pars are sister species, the tree will have 52 homoplasies.Krons and pars have red body patches, whereas krons and furs have striped bodies.Based on the principles of parsimony, krons and _______ are sister species, _______ a synapomorphy.
A) pars; and striped bodies is likely
B) pars; and red body patches is likely
C) furs; and striped bodies is likely
D) furs; and red body patches is likely
E) furs; but neither trait can be

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the principle of parsimony, the hypothesis that requires fewer homoplasies is preferred. Since krons and furs share striped bodies, it is likely that they are sister species. Therefore, the other sister group should be pars. Also, since krons and pars have red body patches, and striped bodies are not shared between these two species, red body patches are likely to be a synapomorphy that distinguishes krons and pars from furs. Therefore, choice C is the best option.

From a Survey of Martian Life, Three Hypothetical Species Are