Question

which of the following statements is accurate with regard to a phylogeny, as represented by a phylogenetic tree? a. descendant groups (branches) from the same node likely share many derived characters. b. the ancestral group often has all the derived characters of the descendant species. c. a monophyletic group can be properly based on convergent features. d. shared ancestral characters are excellent traits to use in developing a phylogeny

Answer 1

Descendant groups from the same node likely share many derived characters in a phylogeny represented by a phylogenetic tree.

Step-by-step explanation:

A phylogenetic tree represents the evolutionary relationships between different species. The accurate statement regarding a phylogeny, as represented by a phylogenetic tree, is that descendant groups from the same node likely share many derived characters. These derived characters are traits that have evolved in a particular branch, indicating a shared ancestry. Shared ancestral characters, on the other hand, are not as helpful in developing a phylogeny because they are traits that every member of a clade possesses, indicating no change in the trait over time.