When Using a Cladistic Approach to Systematics, Which of the Following

question 16

Multiple Choice

When using a cladistic approach to systematics, which of the following is considered most important for classification?

• A) shared primitive characters
• B) analogous primitive characters
• C) shared derived characters
• D) the number of homoplasies
• E) overall phenotypic similarity

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Definitions:

Holism

All living organisms are seen as interacting, unified wholes that are more than the sums of their parts.

Systems Theory

A conceptual framework that examines how various components of a system interact and influence each other within the whole.

Positive Feedback

Feedback that stimulates change.

External Stimuli

Things that are visual (sight), auditory (hearing), olfactory (smell), tactile (touch), and gustatory (taste).