Question

Which of the following approaches to systematics would classify humans and chimps in different taxonomic groups simply because they do not look very much alike?

A)Morphological systematics
B)Cladistic systematics
C)Evolutionary systematics
D)All of the above
E)None of the above

Answer 1

The approach that classifies organisms in different taxonomic groups based on physical appearance is morphological systematics (A). Cladistic and evolutionary systematics incorporate both physical and genetic evidence for a more accurate representation of evolutionary relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of the given question, the approach to systematics that would classify humans and chimps in different taxonomic groups based primarily on physical appearance, without regard to genetic or evolutionary relationships, is morphological systematics (A). Morphological systematics focuses on the form and structure of organisms. This traditional approach often considers visible traits, which may sometimes misrepresent the true evolutionary relationships if those traits have arisen due to convergent evolution or if minor genetic changes have caused significant morphological differences.

On the other hand, cladistic systematics (B) and evolutionary systematics (C) use a combination of morphological and genetic data to establish evolutionary relationships, taking into account both the physical characteristics and genetic information to construct a more accurate phylogenetic tree of life. Cladistics especially tries to understand ancestral and derived characteristics to elucidate common origins and evolutionary paths.