Examine the Following Table of Characters in Four Different Species

question 65

Multiple Choice

Examine the following table of characters in four different species of flower. Based on the matrix, Derek concludes that species A is sister to the remaining three species. Wilma, in contrast, argues that species D is sister to all other species. Who is CORRECT? $$\begin{array} { | l | c | c | c | c | } \hline & \text { Species A } & \text { Species B } & \text { Species C } & \text { Species D } \\\hline \begin{array} { l } \text { Presence of } \\\text { sepals }\end{array} & \text { yes } & \text { yes } & \text { yes } & \text { no } \\\hline \begin{array} { l } \text { Number of } \\\text { petals }\end{array} & \text { five } & \text { five } & \text { ten } & \text { ten } \\\hline \begin{array} { l } \text { Arrangement of } \\\text { petals }\end{array} & \text { whorled } & \text { whorled } & \text { whorled } & \text { whorled } \\\hline \begin{array} { l } \text { Number of } \\\text { carpels }\end{array} & \text { ten } & \text { ten } & \text { ten } & \text { five } \\\hline\end{array}$$

• A)Derek is correct, as the tree that puts A as sister to all other species is the most parsimonious.
• B)Wilma is correct, as the tree that puts D as sister to all other species is the most parsimonious.
• C)Neither, because the most parsimonious tree puts species B as sister to all others.
• D)We can't decide from the information given as trees with species A, B, or D as sister to all other species are equally parsimonious.

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Definitions:

Concordance Rate

A statistical measure used in genetics, indicating the probability that a pair of individuals will both have a certain characteristic, given that one of the pair has the characteristic.

Genetic

Relating to genes or heredity, how certain traits or conditions are passed from parents to their offspring.

Schizophrenia

An acute psychiatric ailment defined by significant alterations in thought processes, perception, emotional response, communication, personal identity, and conduct.

Purely Genetic

Describes traits or conditions entirely determined by one's genes.