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:

Poverty Levels

The economic condition in which people have income so low that they cannot maintain a standard of living considered acceptable in their society.

Poverty Line

A set financial threshold defined by governments or organizations, below which individuals or families are considered to be living in poverty.

Government Assistance

Financial aid or support services provided by the government to individuals or organizations in need, which may include welfare, healthcare, housing, and educational subsidies.

Cost of Living

The amount of money needed to sustain a certain level of living, including basic expenses such as housing, food, taxes, and healthcare.