Asked by Keredin Muktar on May 16, 2024
Verified
A taxon that diverges earlier than the other taxa being considered in cladistic analysis is a(n) :
A) clade.
B) outgroup.
C) shared taxon.
D) derived taxon.
E) homologous taxon.
Cladistic Analysis
A method of analyzing the evolutionary relationships between groups of organisms by classifying them based on common ancestry.
Outgroup
In cladistics, a taxon that represents an approximation of the ancestral condition; the outgroup is related to the ingroup (the members of the group under study) but separated from the ingroup lineage before they diversified.
Diverges
Moves or extends in different directions from a common point, or becomes fundamentally different in character or form.
- Assess the value of phylogenetic systematics and cladistics in elucidating the relationships among species through evolutionary history.
Verified Answer
KE
Kelasia EdwardsMay 23, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
An outgroup in cladistic analysis is a taxon or group of taxa that diverges earlier than the taxa being studied. It is used as a reference group for determining the evolutionary relationships among the taxa being analyzed, helping to identify derived characteristics shared by the ingroup taxa.
Learning Objectives
- Assess the value of phylogenetic systematics and cladistics in elucidating the relationships among species through evolutionary history.