Question

A phylogenetic tree grouping that consists of a common ancestor and all of its descendants is known as a ________ group.

1) monophyletic

2) polytomy

3) paraphyletic

4) polyphyletic

Answer 1

A phylogenetic tree grouping that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants is called a monophyletic group or clade.

Step-by-step explanation:

A phylogenetic tree grouping that consists of a common ancestor and all of its descendants is known as a monophyletic group, which can also be referred to as a clade. This means that it includes an ancestor and all descendants of that ancestor, showing relationships that go back to a single point of origin. This is distinguished from other groupings such as paraphyletic (excluding some descendants of a common ancestor) and polyphyletic (which includes organisms from different ancestors). Understanding phylogeny is critical as it is the evolutionary history and relationship of an organism or a group of organisms. The phylogenetic tree is an important diagrammatic tool that represents these evolutionary relationships, allowing us to understand the lineage and the diversification of species through time.