A phylogenetic analysis of four species (A, B, C, D) is based on the presence (✓) or absence (✗) of four traits:

| Trait | A | B | C | D |
|-------|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (fur) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 2 (lays eggs) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3 (gills) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 4 (backbone) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |

Using the principle of maximum parsimony, which two species are most likely to be sister taxa, and list the synapomorphic traits that support this relationship.

Question

A phylogenetic analysis of four species (A, B, C, D) is based on the presence (✓) or absence (✗) of four traits:

| Trait | A | B | C | D |
|-------|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (fur) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| 2 (lays eggs) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3 (gills) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 4 (backbone) | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |

Using the principle of maximum parsimony, which two species are most likely to be sister taxa, and list the synapomorphic traits that support this relationship.

Accepted Answer

A and B; traits: fur (Trait 1) and backbone (Trait 4)

Igcse Model Questions Vol1 2024 Biology Question 9

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