Asked by Ashley Matoso on May 31, 2024

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The phylogeny below shows relationships between birds and four different dinosaur genera. Based on the logic of phylogenetic systematics, which of the following statement(s) is/are accurate?

A) Dinosaurs and birds form a monophyletic group.
B) In order for dinosaurs to be a valid taxon, birds must also be called dinosaurs.
C) Dinosaurs are a paraphyletic group.
D) all of the above
E) none of the above

Monophyletic Group

A set of organisms that includes an ancestral species and all its descendants, representing a single branch on the tree of life.

Paraphyletic

Paraphyletic describes a group of organisms that share a common ancestor, although the group does not include all the descendants of that common ancestor.

Phylogenetic Systematics

A method of classifying living organisms based on their evolutionary relationships, using traits inherited from common ancestors.

  • Apply principles of phylogenetic systematics to determine evolutionary relationships and taxonomy.
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MK
Maidah KayekesiJun 02, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
All statements are accurate based on the principles of phylogenetic systematics. A) Birds and dinosaurs share a common ancestor, forming a monophyletic group. B) Since birds are descended from dinosaurs, for dinosaurs to be a valid taxon (a group containing all descendants of a common ancestor), birds must be included, thus they should also be considered dinosaurs. C) Without including birds, dinosaurs would be considered a paraphyletic group because they would exclude some descendants (birds) of their most recent common ancestor.