Question

looking at the phylogenetic tree, which three statements can you make about the interconnectedness of the species a, b, c, d, and e? species a and c may have shared features from a common ancestor. species c is more related to species d than species d is related to species e. species b and c are more closely related than species c and d. species b and e may have shared features from a common ancestor.

Explanation:

• Species A and C may have shared features from a common ancestor: Species A and C share a common ancestor at node \(x\). Traits can be inherited from common ancestors, so they may have shared features.
• Species C is more related to species D than species D is related to species E: Species C and D share a more recent common ancestor (node \(y\)) than D and E. The closer the common ancestor, the more related the species.
• Species B and E may have shared features from a common ancestor: All species in the tree ultimately share a common ancestor at the base of the phylogenetic tree. So, species B and E, which are part of the same tree, may have some shared features from this very ancient common ancestor.
• Species B and C are not more closely related than species C and D: Species C and D share a more recent common ancestor (node \(y\)) than B and C (their common ancestor is further back in the tree).

Answer:

Species A and C may have shared features from a common ancestor, Species C is more related to species D than species D is related to species E, Species B and E may have shared features from a common ancestor.