Question

A preexisting, ancestral character is also known as a(n) ________.

1) apomorphy

2) clade

3) synapomorphy

4) plesiomorphy

Answer 1

Option 4). A preexisting, ancestral character is also known as a plesiomorphy. It is a shared ancestral character found in the common ancestor of a group or clade. Plesiomorphies are considered less helpful in determining relationships between organisms within a clade compared to synapomorphies (shared derived characters).

Step-by-step explanation:

A plesiomorphy is another name for an ancestor or preexisting property. It is a common ancestral trait discovered in a group's or clade's common ancestor. Since all members of a clade share the same plesiomorphic trait, synapomorphies (shared derived characters) are thought to be more useful in determining relationships between organisms within a clade than plesiomorphies. A plesiomorphy is something like vertebrates having limbs. Hence, Option 4) is the correct answer.