The Figure Shows the Phylogeny of Snakes, Gila Monsters, and Their

question 20

Multiple Choice

The figure shows the phylogeny of snakes, Gila monsters, and their relatives. If venom production in snakes and Gila monsters is a homologous trait, would you expect to find venom production in other lizards and iguanas?

• A) No. Gila monsters share a common ancestor with other lizards and iguanas, but not with snakes; therefore, the presence of venom production in snakes and Gila monsters does not allow us to hypothesize about venom production in other species.
• B) No. Homologous traits do not evolve easily; therefore, we would not expect other species to have evolved venom production.
• C) Yes. If venom is homologous, then the common ancestor of snakes and Gila monsters would have produced venom and it is likely that the other descents of that ancestor would also produce venom.
• D) Yes. Because snakes and Gila monsters independently evolved venom production, it seems likely that other lizards and iguanas would also be able to evolve venom production.

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Definitions:

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Intersectional

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