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Magazine Chapter 12: Problem 12
A monophyletic group is a a. phylogenetic tree b. shared derived trait c. character state d. clade
Short Answer
Expert verified
A monophyletic group is a \(d. \text{clade}\).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the term "monophyletic group"
A monophyletic group is a group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants. In other words, it consists of all organisms that share a common evolutionary history.
02
Analyze the options
a. Phylogenetic tree: A phylogenetic tree is a diagram that represents the evolutionary relationships among different organisms. It can be used to visualize the relationships between the organisms, but it is not the term for a monophyletic group itself.
b. Shared derived trait: A shared derived trait is a characteristic that is unique to a certain group of organisms and is inherited from their common ancestor. While this trait can help identify a monophyletic group, it is not the term for the group itself.
c. Character state: A character state is a variation of a trait or characteristic found in different organisms. Like shared derived traits, character states can help identify monophyletic groups, but they are not the term for the group itself.
d. Clade: A clade is a group of organisms that includes a single common ancestor and all of its descendants, making it synonymous with a monophyletic group.
03
Choose the correct term for monophyletic group
Based on the analysis of the options, the correct term for a monophyletic group is \(d. \text{clade}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Clade
In biology, a clade is a term that you will often come across while studying evolutionary biology. A clade is essentially synonymous with a monophyletic group. This means it consists of all the organisms that have evolved from a common ancestor. Here are some important points to remember about clades:
- A clade includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants, without leaving any out.
- Clades are formed based on shared characteristics inherited from this common ancestor.
- Because they reflect evolutionary history, clades are a central unit of organizing biological diversity.
Phylogenetic Tree
When attempting to understand the complexity of life on Earth, scientists often use a phylogenetic tree. This tree is a diagram that shows the evolutionary pathways and connections among different species or groups.
- Branches of the tree represent different lineages that have evolved over time.
- The tips of the branches typically represent the different present-day species.
- Internal nodes where branches meet often represent common ancestors shared by the descendent species.
Shared Derived Trait
A shared derived trait is a unique characteristic that is specific to a particular group of organisms. This trait helps distinguish the group from others.
- Such traits arise as new traits in a lineage and are shared among all descendants of that lineage.
- They are central to the classification and identification of clades because they point to common ancestry.
- Examples can include unique traits like the presence of feathers in birds or the ability to produce milk in mammals.
Character State
Character states refer to the different forms that a particular trait can take among various organisms in a group. They help scientists identify evolutionary changes and construct phylogenetic trees.
- Character states vary among species; for example, eye color among animals or leaf shape among plants.
- Understanding the changes in character states can provide insight into how species have adapted over time.
- They are used to compare species and can indicate evolutionary divergence.
