Final answer:
The cladistic classification scheme uses anatomical and genetic evidence to determine ancestor-descendant relationships. Cladistics focus on the evolutionary relationships among species by examining derived characteristics and is represented by phylogenetic trees.
Step-by-step explanation:
The classification scheme that utilizes anatomical and genetic evidence to determine ancestor-descendant relationships is b) Cladistic.
Cladistics is a method associated with the construction of phylogenetic trees and cladograms that visually represent the evolutionary history and relationships among species. This method focuses on distinguishing between homologous ancestral and derived characteristics to trace back lineage and specify clades, which are groups consisting of an ancestor and all its descendants. An example of an ancestral characteristic shared by humans with our common ancestors is opposable thumbs, while a derived trait unique to modern humans is the chin. By examining derived characteristics, biologists can better understand the evolutionary links between organisms.
The phylogenetic tree provides a visual model of these relationships and is informed by both physical traits and genetic evidence, which adds a layer of confirmation to the hypotheses about how species evolved from common ancestors. This method offers a clearer picture of evolutionary pathways than the traditional Linnaean classification system, which is based on a hierarchical structure of visible physical traits but does not necessarily reflect evolutionary relationships accurately.