What are shared derived characteristics?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definition or explanation of shared derived characteristics, which are traits that are present in a group of organisms and are used to indicate evolutionary relationships.
Answer
A trait that evolved in the lineage leading up to a clade and is shared by two or more lineages within that clade.
A shared derived character is a trait that evolved in the lineage leading up to a clade, distinguishing its members from other individuals, and is shared by two or more lineages within that clade.
Answer for screen readers
A shared derived character is a trait that evolved in the lineage leading up to a clade, distinguishing its members from other individuals, and is shared by two or more lineages within that clade.
More Information
These characteristics are vital for constructing phylogenetic trees, helping biologists understand evolutionary relationships.
Sources
- The web page with info on - Example Source - evolution.berkeley.edu
- What's the difference between derived characteristics and ancestral ... - reddit.com
- Shared Derived Character - Biology As Poetry - biologyaspoetry.com