Which of the following would be most useful in creating a phylogenetic tree of a taxon?
A) morphological data from fossil and living species
B) a knowledge of colour patterns in fossil and living species
C) a knowledge of mutation rates in modern species
D) morphological data from fossil species

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Morphological data from fossil species would provide the most useful information for creating a phylogenetic tree of a taxon because it allows for comparisons of ancestral and descendant species. While morphological data from living species could also be used, it would only represent a snapshot in time and may not accurately reflect evolutionary relationships. Knowledge of colour patterns and mutation rates are not as directly relevant to constructing phylogenetic trees as morphological data would be.

Which of the Following Would Be Most Useful in Creating