Examine the Following Table of Characters in Four Different Species

question 123

Multiple Choice

Examine the following table of characters in four different species of flower. Based on the character matrix, which is MOST likely an ancestral trait for the group of species? $$\begin{array} { | l | c | c | c | c | } \hline & \text { Species A } & \text { Species B } & \text { Species C } & \text { Species D } \\\hline \begin{array} { l } \text { Presence of } \\\text { sepals }\end{array} & \text { yes } & \text { yes } & \text { yes } & \text { no } \\\hline \begin{array} { l } \text { Number of } \\\text { petals }\end{array} & \text { five } & \text { five } & \text { ten } & \text { ten } \\\hline \begin{array} { l } \text { Arrangement of } \\\text { petals }\end{array} & \text { whorled } & \text { whorled } & \text { whorled } & \text { whorled } \\\hline \begin{array} { l } \text { Number of } \\\text { carpels }\end{array} & \text { ten } & \text { ten } & \text { ten } & \text { five } \\\hline\end{array}$$

• A)presence of sepals
• B)number of petals
• C)arrangement of petals
• D)number of carpels

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Definitions:

Extraembryonic Membranes

Membranes that develop outside of the embryo in amniotes, providing protection, nutrition, gas exchange, and waste elimination.

Synapsis

The pairing of two homologous chromosomes that occurs during meiosis, allowing for genetic recombination.

Primary Germ Layers

The three initial layers of cells (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm) in the early embryo from which all bodily tissues and organs develop.

Digestive Organs

Organs involved in the digestion process, including the mouth, esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, intestines, rectum, and anus.