Question

a cladogram begins with a common __________ of all the organisms represented above.
a descendant
b ancestor
the diagonal arrow of a cladogram shows us that we are moving __________ in time.
a forward
b backward
branches in the cladogram occur when new key __________ are recognized within groups of organisms.
a items
b traits

Explanation:

1. Cladograms represent evolutionary relationships starting from a shared common ancestor of all organisms shown.
2. Diagonal arrows in cladograms indicate progression from past (ancestors) to present (descendants), meaning forward in time.
3. Branches form when new distinct traits evolve, separating groups of organisms.

Answer:

1. B. ancestor
2. A. forward
3. B. traits