Question

Identify the True and False Statements About Pattern and Parsimony:

a. Patterns are always simple and parsimonious.
b. Parsimony favors the simplest explanation.
c. Complexity is preferred in pattern recognition.
d. Parsimony may sacrifice simplicity for accuracy.

Answer 1

Parsimony favors the simplest explanation and may sacrifice simplicity for accuracy. Complexity is not preferred in pattern recognition.

Step-by-step explanation:

b. Parsimony favors the simplest explanation. Maximum parsimony hypothesizes that events occurred in the simplest, most obvious way, and the pathway of evolution probably includes the fewest major events that coincide with the evidence at hand. This means that scientists look for the most obvious and simple order of evolutionary events that led to the occurrence of certain traits.

c. Complexity is preferred in pattern recognition. This statement is false. Maximum parsimony hypothesizes that organisms that share the most traits are most likely to share a common ancestor. So simplicity and common traits are favored in pattern recognition.

d. Parsimony may sacrifice simplicity for accuracy. This statement is true. Maximum parsimony means that events occurred in the simplest, most obvious way, but a higher level of accuracy may require sacrificing some simplicity.