Question

julia is trying to place a duckbilled platypus, lizard, bear, and monkey on a phylogenetic tree. she learns that the duckbilled platypus, bear, and monkey are classified as mammals. she also learns that mammals share a common ancestor with reptiles. which additional piece of information will be most helpful to julia to properly build her phylogenetic tree?

the platypus has fur like other mammals.

the platypus does not have feathers like a bird.

the platypus lays eggs like a reptile.

the platypus does not have fins like a fish.

Explanation:

To build a phylogenetic tree, we need information about shared evolutionary traits. Mammals (platypus, bear, monkey) share a common ancestor with reptiles (lizard). The platypus laying eggs like a reptile shows a shared ancestral trait, helping to show the evolutionary link between mammals and reptiles, which is key for the tree. Other options either confirm mammal traits (fur) or rule out non - relevant groups (feathers, fins) without aiding the mammal - reptile connection.

Answer:

C. The platypus lays eggs like a reptile.