Question

this cladogram shows the evolutionary relationships among some mammals based on homologous structures.which statement is supported by this cladogram?a hippopotamuses are more closely related to cows than to javelinas.b toothed whales are more closely related to mouse deer than to hippopotamuses.c javelinas and pigs are more closely related than baleen whales and toothed whales.d cows and mouse deer are more closely related than javelinas and pigs.

Explanation:

• In a cladogram, the closer the branches, the more closely related the organisms.
• For option A: Hippopotamus and cow share a more recent common ancestor compared to hippopotamus and javelina.
• Option B: Toothed whales and hippopotamus share a more recent common ancestor than toothed whales and mouse - deer.
• Option C: Baleen whales and toothed whales share a more recent common ancestor than javelinas and pigs.
• Option D: Javelinas and pigs share a more recent common ancestor than cows and mouse - deer.

Answer:

A. Hippopotamuses are more closely related to cows than to javelinas.