The Branching "Tree of Life" Analogy

question 58

Multiple Choice

The branching "tree of life" analogy

• A)does not describe ecological interactions between species,so it should be replaced by the web of life.
• B)has been discredited because it does not help us understand evolutionary relationships among organisms.
• C)accurately reflects evolution.Once a split occurs,species on different branches evolve absolutely independently.
• D)fails to account for horizontal gene transfer,in which species on different branches exchange genes.

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Definitions:

Economic Development

The process by which a nation improves the economic, political, and social well-being of its people.

Infrastructure

Fundamental physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, such as roads, utilities, and communication systems.

Public Capital Goods

Long-term assets used by the public sector to provide public services, like roads, schools, and hospitals.

Power Facilities

Infrastructure units that generate or distribute electricity, including power stations, substations, and transmission lines.