Question

according to the diagram provided, which statement is not true regarding the cladogram?
a birds and crocodiles are more closely related than birds and mammals.
b caecilians are more related to sharks than caecilians and frogs and toads.
c frogs and toads are more closely related to salamanders than mammals and sharks.
d crocodilians are more closely related to tortoises and turtles than sharks and birds.

Explanation:

A cladogram shows evolutionary relationships; closer branches mean more recent common ancestors.

• A: Birds/crocodiles share a more recent ancestor than birds/mammals (true).
• B: Caecilians and frogs/toads are on the same branch (tetrapods), while sharks are distant (false).
• C: Frogs/toads and salamanders are close tetrapods vs. distant sharks/mammals (true).
• D: Crocodilians/tortoises share a closer ancestor than sharks/birds (true).

Answer:

B. Caecilians are more related to sharks than caecilians and frogs and toads.