What is the definition of ancestral traits?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for the definition of ancestral traits, which refers to characteristics inherited from an ancestor. These traits can affect an organism's development and behavior and are significant in the study of evolution and biology.
Answer
A characteristic present in a common ancestor of a group of organisms.
An ancestral trait, also known as a plesiomorphy, is a characteristic that was present in a common ancestor of a particular group of organisms.
Answer for screen readers
An ancestral trait, also known as a plesiomorphy, is a characteristic that was present in a common ancestor of a particular group of organisms.
More Information
Ancestral traits help scientists understand evolutionary relationships and phylogenetic trees by providing a point of reference for identifying derived characteristics.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing ancestral traits with derived traits; ancestral traits are inherited from a common ancestor, while derived traits are newly evolved features.
Sources
- What is an ancestral trait in evolutionary biology? - Proprep - proprep.com
- Chapter 9: Trait Evolution on Phylogenies – Introductory Biology 2 - raider.pressbooks.pub
- Lecture 19 : Biology 102 - Portland State University - web.pdx.edu
