Questions and Answers
The best classification system is that which most closely _____.
The existence of antlers in beetle, fly, and deer species with strong male-male competition is an example of _____.
Which of the following pairs are the best examples of homologous structures?
The importance of computers and of computer software to modern cladistics is most closely linked to advances in _____.
Signup and view all the answers
The four-chambered hearts of birds and mammals are best described as _____.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following would be useful in creating a phylogenetic tree of a taxon?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most likely reason your professor gave you a lily when constructing a phylogenetic tree of orchids?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following statements best describes the rationale for applying the principle of parsimony in constructing phylogenetic trees?
Signup and view all the answers
Phylogenetic trees constructed from evidence from molecular systematics are based on similarities in _____.
Signup and view all the answers
If cynodonts had whisker-like hairs around their mouths, then hair is a shared _____.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following would be the best outgroup for building a phylogenetic tree of cats?
Signup and view all the answers
Eukaryotes that are not closely related can still be placed together on the same phylogenetic tree by comparing their _____.
Signup and view all the answers
Sequencing which of the following would probably be most useful in sorting out evolutionary relationships among similar species of damselflies?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement represents the best explanation for the observation that the nuclear DNA of wolves and domestic dogs has a high degree of sequence homology?
Signup and view all the answers
The most important feature that permits a gene to act as a molecular clock is _____.
Signup and view all the answers
Neutral theory proposes that _____.
Signup and view all the answers
Which portion of the figure may ultimately be better depicted as a 'ring'?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement about phylogeny is true?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of these are homologous structures?
Signup and view all the answers
Identify the monophyletic taxon from the options provided.
Signup and view all the answers
Select the correct statement about phylogenetic trees.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Classification and Evolution
- The optimal classification system reflects evolutionary history rather than traditional practices.
- Convergent evolution explains the similarity of antler-like structures among beetles, flies, and male deer due to strong male-male competition.
- Homologous structures, such as bones in bat wings and human forelimbs, indicate common ancestry.
Cladistics and Molecular Genetics
- Advances in molecular genetics significantly enhance the application of computers and software in constructing cladistic analyses.
- The four-chambered hearts of birds and mammals are considered homoplasies rather than indicative of shared ancestry.
- Creating phylogenetic trees effectively uses morphological, genetic, and behavioral data.
Phylogenetic Analysis Techniques
- Outgroups, like lilies in orchid studies, serve to contextualize relationships among species.
- The principle of parsimony helps in phylogenetic tree construction, favoring common ancestry over convergent traits.
- Similarities in homologous genes, especially mutations, form the basis for molecular systematics.
Evolutionary Traits and Common Ancestors
- Whisker-like hairs in cynodonts would characterize hair as a derived trait of mammals upon reclassification.
- Wolves serve as a suitable outgroup in feline phylogenetic trees based on evolutionary relationships.
- Highly conserved homologous genes enable the grouping of distantly related eukaryotes.
Speciation and Genetic Connection
- Mitochondrial DNA is the most useful for analyzing evolutionary relationships in closely related damselfly species.
- High sequence homology in DNA between wolves and domestic dogs suggests a recent common ancestor.
- Molecular clocks rely on a reliable mutation rate to track evolutionary timeframes.
Theories of Speciation
- Neutral theory postulates that many mutations are not influenced by natural selection, emphasizing genetic drift.
- The trunk of a phylogenetic tree may represent a structure better depicted as a "ring," reflecting interconnected evolutionary paths.
Understanding Phylogenetic Structures
- Phylogeny illustrates the evolutionary history of organisms through homologous characteristics.
- A monophyletic group includes an ancestral species and all its descendants, essential for accurately depicting evolutionary relationships.
- Phylogenetic trees can vary in shape, illustrating the dynamic nature of evolution, sometimes expanding and contracting over time.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the intricacies of classification systems and phylogenetic analysis in this quiz. Learn about homologous structures, convergent evolution, and advanced techniques in cladistics using molecular genetics. Test your knowledge on how these concepts reflect evolutionary history.