Final answer:
The evolutionary relationship among organisms is determined by factors such as morphology, metabolism, genotype, and phylogeny. Phylogenetic relationships are essential in identifying the common ancestors of species. All the given options are correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The factors that contribute to determining the evolutionary relationship among organisms include morphology (structural features), metabolism (biochemical processes), genotype (genetic makeup), and phylogeny (the evolutionary history and relationship).
Phylogenetic relationships refer to the relative times in the past when species shared common ancestors. To decipher these relationships, scientists collect accurate information on morphologic and genetic evidence, identifying homologous characteristics and genes. This detective work in evolutionary biology is crucial for constructing phylogenetic trees through methods such as maximum parsimony and cladistics.
An organism's observable traits are described as its phenotype, which is determined by the specific combination of inherited genes. In terms of determining evolutionary closeness, organisms with highly homologous DNA sequences are considered to be more closely related than those that merely appear similar or live in the same ecosystem.