Final answer:
Modern systematics relies on genetic and anatomical similarities to create clades and establish evolutionary relationships. Scientists use cladistics to group organisms into clades based on shared descent. This methodology is continually refined with new genetic and fossil evidence. The correct options are D and E.
Step-by-step explanation:
Modern systematics constructs clades and evolutionary relationships primarily based on genetic similarities and anatomical similarities. Genetic information, in particular, provides powerful evidence to establish phylogenies or evolutionary trees.
In order to build these phylogenetic trees, scientists collect morphological (physical structure) and molecular data, working to identify homologous characteristics that reflect shared evolutionary history. The process of sorting organisms into clades involves the use of a method called cladistics, which groups organisms by the traits they share due to descent from a common ancestor.
The primary goal of systematics is to organize and classify organisms based on evolution, incorporating evidence from various sources such as fossils, comparative anatomy, and, importantly, DNA analysis.
Molecular and anatomical homologies are key to distinguishing species' evolutionary connections, as they suggest a common ancestor. Cladistics helps scientists depict evolutionary lineages and construct a tree of life that is subject to revisions as new information becomes available.