In the Phylogeny Shown, Which of the Following Hypotheses Provides

question 8

Multiple Choice

In the phylogeny shown, which of the following hypotheses provides the most parsimonious explanation for the distribution of beak ("bill") color among the five species of magpie? The yellow-billed magpie has a yellow beak and the rest have black beaks.

• A) There is no way to infer ancestral beak color using the phylogenies shown.
• B) The ancestral state was yellow-billed.
• C) The ancestral state was black-billed.
• D) The ancestral state was most likely neither yellow nor black but rather some intermediate color of beak.

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Definitions:

Sperm

The male gamete or sex cell.

Semen

The mixture of secretions from the various glands and organs of the reproductive system of the male, which is expelled at orgasm.

Sterile

Without any organisms.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment; gear worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses.