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:

Kilocalories Per Gram (kcal/g)

A unit of measurement that indicates the amount of energy food provides; commonly used to measure the energy content in nutrients such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates

Essential nutrients found in foods, consisting of sugars, starch, and fiber, which provide energy to the body.

Protein

Organic molecules composed of amino acids, essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs.

Nutritional Standpoint

The perspective or consideration of matters in terms of their nutritional value and impact on health.