Question

In which of the following scenarios would it be important to perform phylogenetically independent contrasts?

1) To infer whether variation in beak size is heritable in a single population
2) To test for a correlation between diet and toxicity across populations within a species
3) To test for a correlation between genome size and host specificity among an array of parasitic species
4) All of the above
5) None of the above

Answer 1

Phylogenetically independent contrasts are essential for exploring evolutionary relationships and adaptations among species, most suitable for analyzing correlations across diverse parasitic species while accounting for shared ancestry.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phylogenetically independent contrasts are crucial in comparative analyses that aim to reveal evolutionary relationships among species by controlling for the fact that species similarities can be due to shared ancestry rather than independent adaptation. Considering the options provided, the most appropriate scenario for performing phylogenetically independent contrasts would be to test for a correlation between genome size and host specificity among an array of parasitic species.

This approach helps to eliminate analogous traits and locate homoplasies, which are similarities not due to common ancestry but rather convergent or parallel evolution. It also allows scientists to make clearer inferences about adaptation and evolutionary processes.