Question

In the phylogeny in 41 which node(s) occurred most recently?

a. 1
b. 3
c. 2
d. 4
e. 2 & 4

Answer 1

In a phylogenetic tree, the most recent nodes are those closest to the tips of the branches, indicating more recent evolutionary events.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of a phylogenetic tree, the nodes represent the common ancestors of the species that diverge from that point. The question is asking which node, labelled from 1 to 4, occurred most recently. Since the tips of the branches in a phylogenetic tree represent the current or the end point of evolution for a species, and the base represents the earliest, the nodes closest to the tips of the branches indicate more recent evolutionary events. Therefore, the node(s) that occurred most recently would be those furthest from the base of the tree and closest to the present-day species.