Question

Using the phylogenetic tree, indicate whether the following statements are true or false a. If all species depicted here make up a taxon, this taxon is paraphyletic. b. The last common ancestor of species B and C occurred more recently than the last common ancestor of species D and E c. Species A is the direct ancestor of both species B and species C. d. If all species depicted here make up a taxon, this taxon is monophyletic. e. The species present at position 4 is ancestral to both species D and E f. Species C is more closely related to species B than D is to B g. The species present at position 3 is ancestral to C, D, and E. Present B 10 MYA Genetic Relatedness

Answer 1

Missing Part of Question:

The diagram was missing in this question which I have attached in the answer for referencing.

Answer with Explanation:

a) False. The Taxon is monophyletic as for a taxon to be paraphyletic it must not include all descendants.

b) True. The common ancestor of B and C occurred at branch point 2 whereas the common ancestor for D and E is at branch point 4. From diagram it is clear that 2 is a descendant of 4, therefore 2 occurs before 4.

c) False. As species A comes after branch point 3, it is not the direct ancestor of B and C.

d) True. This is a monophyletic Taxon as it includes all descendants that comes from a single ancestor (from branch point 4).

e) True. Species at position 4 is connected to both D and E and hence, it is their ancestor.

f) False. Both species C and D existed after branch point 2 and thus, are equal in terms of genetic relatedness.

g) False. The species at position 3 is only ancestral to C and D, but not to E as it is a descendant of species at position 4.