The Next Few Questions Refer to the Following Evolutionary Tree

question 16

Multiple Choice

The next few questions refer to the following evolutionary tree, whose horizontal axis represents time (present time is on the far right) and whose vertical axis represents morphological change.

-Which conclusion can be drawn from this evolutionary tree?

• A)Gradualistic speciation and speciation involving punctuated equilibrium are mutually exclusive concepts; only one of them can occur.
• B)Eldredge and Gould would deny that the lineages labelled X, Y, and Z could represent true species.
• C)Assuming that the tip of each line represents a species, there are five extant (i.e., not extinct)species resulting from the earliest common ancestor.
• D)A single clade (i.e., a group of species that share a common ancestor)can exhibit both gradualism and punctuated equilibrium.
• E)V and W shared a common ancestor more recently than any of the other species.

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Definitions:

Neuron's Organelles

The specialized structures within neurons, such as mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes, which perform various crucial functions.

Cell Body/Soma

The part of a neuron that contains the nucleus and connects to dendrites and the axon, playing a crucial role in processing and transmitting neural signals.

Smooth Muscle

A type of muscle found in the walls of hollow organs like the intestines and blood vessels, controlled involuntarily.

Multinucleated

Having more than one nucleus within a single cell, a characteristic seen in certain types of muscle cells and some other organisms.