Questions and Answers
What does 'monophyletic' refer to?
What characterizes a 'polyphyletic' group?
Which of the following best defines 'paraphyletic'?
Define 'monophyletic'.
Signup and view all the answers
Define 'polyphyletic'.
Signup and view all the answers
Define 'paraphyletic'.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Taxonomic Groups
- Monophyletic: A group containing all the organisms that have descended from a single ancestral species. It ensures that every member is related and includes the common ancestor.
- Polyphyletic: A grouping of organisms that do not share a recent common ancestor. This category is characterized by members derived from multiple ancestral lines, leading to a composition of unrelated species.
- Paraphyletic: A taxonomic group that includes the most recent common ancestor but excludes some of its descendants. This results in an incomplete representation of a lineage.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your understanding of the three types of taxonomic groups: monophyletic, paraphyletic, and polyphyletic. This quiz will help clarify the differences and definitions of these critical concepts in evolutionary biology.