Q32.3-1CC. Distinguish the terms grade and ... [FREE SOLUTION]

Chapter 32: Q32.3-1CC. (page 677)

Distinguish the terms grade and clade.

Short Answer

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Grade-level characteristics are those characteristics that are present within multiple organisms independent of their evolution. These characteristics undergo individual evolutions and hence possess unique traits.

A clade is a hierarchical method of classifying organisms based on the similar traits that they share. These traits enable the grouping of organisms based on a common ancestor. It enables to trace the pattern of inheritance.

Step by step solution

Hierarchical classification in organisms

Organisms are grouped into different hierarchical groups based on their similarities and differences. The method of classifying is often universal and hence is followed in every country. This enables uniformity in classification without creating any fuss or confusion.

Grade

The grade is a hierarchical method of classifying organisms based on similarities that exist between groups of organisms. However, the evolutionary history of these groups is not very significant. This is because many organisms lose the traits during the course of evolution.

Clade

Organisms are classified within a single clade when they have common ancestral traits. These organisms often have a common ancestral history, and hence they are the descendants of a common ancestor. The traits are the same in such organisms and have not undergone an evolution.