Four Different Phylogenetic Trees of a Group of Salamanders Have

question 82

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 is the best?

• A) Tree A
• B) Tree B
• C) Tree C
• D) Tree D
• E) The trees are equally good.

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