AP Biology Check: Phylogenetics

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a basal taxon and sister taxa in a phylogenetic tree?

• Basal taxon is the most recent common ancestor of sister taxa.

• Basal taxon diverges early and remains unbranched, while sister taxa share an immediate common ancestor.

• Basal taxon and sister taxa are always located at the tips of the tree.

• Basal taxon is a subgroup within sister taxa.

When reading a phylogenetic tree, what does a node represent?

• A derived trait

• An ancestral trait

• A common ancestor

• An outgroup

Which of the following is an example of comparative morphology?

• Comparing DNA sequences of different species

• Analyzing the bone structure of a bat's wing and a whale's flipper

• Observing embryonic development in frogs and humans

• Studying the protein synthesis pathways in bacteria

Which of the following examples shows a scientist using molecular homology?

• A scientist analyzing genetic sequences of different species.
• A scientist observing animal behavior in the wild.
• A scientist conducting a survey on plant growth rates.
• A scientist measuring the temperature of a chemical reaction.

Analyze the role of embryonic homology in supporting the theory of evolution.

• It shows that all embryos develop in the same environment.

• It indicates that similar embryonic stages suggest a common ancestor.

• It proves that all species have identical embryonic development.

• It demonstrates that embryonic development is unrelated to evolution.

Apply your understanding of phylogenetic trees to determine which of the following is an outgroup.

Which of the following structures is an example of a vestigial structure?

• The wings of a bat

• The human appendix

• The fins of a fish

• The beak of a bird

Group the examples based on what type of evidence they are part of.

Groups:

(a) Molecular Homology

,

(b) Comparative Anatomy

,

(c) Fossils

• Fossil record analysis

• Gene Expression Studies

• Protein Structure Analysis

• Vestigial Structures

• Homologous Structures

• Fossilization process

• Genetic Sequencing Comparisons

• Location within geologic layering

• Analogous Structures

• Functional Morphology

• Embryonic Development Comparisons

Understanding the concept of derived traits, which of the following is true?

• Derived traits are found only in the outgroup.

• Derived traits are shared by all members of a clade.

• Derived traits are unique to a particular lineage.

• Derived traits are ancestral traits.

What is the difference between a cladogram & a phylogenetic tree?

• A cladogram shows only the final species, while a phylogenetic tree shows all ancestors.
• A cladogram is a type of phylogenetic tree that includes time scales.
• A phylogenetic tree only represents genetic similarities, while a cladogram shows physical traits.
• The main difference is that a cladogram emphasizes branching order and shared traits, while a phylogenetic tree includes evolutionary time and distances.