Which of the Following Statements Best Describes the Rationale for Applying

question 9

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements best describes the rationale for applying the principle of parsimony in constructing phylogenetic trees?

• A) Parsimony allows the researcher to "root" the tree.
• B) Similarity due to common ancestry should be more common than similarity due to convergent evolution.
• C) The molecular clock validates the principle of parsimony.
• D) The outgroup roots the tree, allowing the principle of parsimony to be applied.

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Definitions:

Pregnancy

The condition of having a developing embryo or fetus in the body, typically in the womb, that results after fertilization of an egg by a sperm.

Midpiece

The segment of a spermatozoon between the head and the tail, containing mitochondria to power movement.

Meiosis

Nuclear division process required for sexual reproduction. Two nuclear divisions, meiosis I and II, halve the chromosome number for forthcoming gametes.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, a high-energy molecule that stores and transfers energy within cells, enabling various biochemical processes.