Cladograms and Evidence of Evolution

A phylogenetic tree based on genetic similarities is shown. Which numbered location on the phylogenetic tree identifies characteristics shared by Species B, C and D?

• Location 1

• Location 2

• Location 3

• Location 4

Researchers analyzed a mitochondrial DNA of different bat species to determine relatedness. A cladogram of their results is shown.

Based on the cladogram, which set of bat species is the least related?

• Ptenochirus minor and Megaerops niphanae

• Dyacopterus spadiceus and Otopteropus cartigonodus

• Haplonycteris fischeri and Ptenochirus jagori

• Cynopterus sphinx and Chinorax melanocephalus

In 2010, scientists excavated a skull fossil that provides evidence of a newly discovered species of big cat. Based on the evidence, scientists hypothesized that big cats branched off from smaller wild cats about 6 million years ago. Which of these resources did scientists most likely rely on to form their hypothesis?

• A food web showing feeding relationships of organisms where the fossil skull was found.

• Population and migration data for small wild cats living in the ecosystem where the skull was found.

• The fossil record and DNA comparisons of big cats and small cats.

• The historical record of interactions between different species of big cats.

The opossum, which is native to North America, and the kangaroo, which is native to Australia , are marsupials. The fact that these mammals incubate their immature offspring in a pouch provides evidence that they __

• belong to the same species

• must range great distances to eat

• have very similar skeletal structures

• are descended from a common ancestor

Using the cladogram, describe all the characteristics shared by the common ancestor of tigers and house cats. Use a complete sentence.