Four Different Phylogenetic Trees of a Group of Salamanders Have

question 27

Multiple Choice

Four different phylogenetic trees of a group of salamanders have been proposed.Trees A and B each require 12 homoplasies, but tree A requires 14 synapomorphies and tree B requires 13 synapomorphies.Tree C requires 15 homoplasies and 13 synapomorphies.Finally, tree D requires 10 homoplasies and 15 synapomorphies.According to the principle of parsimony, which tree(s) is/are the most accurate?

• A) Tree A only
• B) Tree B only
• C) Tree C only
• D) Tree D only
• E) Both tree A and tree B

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Definitions:

Demographic Transition

A theory describing the transition from high birth and death rates to lower birth and death rates as a country or region develops from a pre-industrial to an industrialized economic system.

Death Rates

The amount of mortalities within a specific group of people, adjusted for its size, over a given time period.

Population Explosion

This refers to a rapid increase in the population size over a short period, often leading to overpopulation concerns.