Question

Does the hallux (big toe) of Carpolestes have more synapomorphic features shared with the euprimate, or more symplesiomorphic features shared with the tree shrew? Provide at least one feature you used to make your decision.

Answer 1

Note: You will find the missing image needed to answer the question in the attached files.

Answer:

• The hallux (big toe) of Carpolestes has synapomorphic features shared with the euprimate.

• The nail on the distal phalange is an example of a synapomorphic feature.

Explanation:

• The symplesiomorphic features are those shared by two or more organisms that inherited it from a common ancestor, but this trait is older in relation to those traits exhibited in other descendants of  that same ancestor.

• The synapomorphic features are those shared by two or more organisms that inherited it from a common ancestor, and which evolved for the first time in it.

There are more synapomorphic features shared with the euprimates. The nail on the distal phalange of the big toe and euprimates might be considered as a synapomorphic feature. It is quite different from the same nail of the tree shrew.