Question

question: ____ is the idea of taking the simplest, most obvious path when classifying organisms. answer options: select one of four maximum divergence maximum parsimony minimum phylogeny polysynapomorphies

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• "Maximum divergence" implies greater differences, not simplicity.
• "Maximum parsimony" in phylogenetics means choosing the simplest evolutionary path (fewest changes) when classifying organisms, matching the description.
• "Minimum phylogeny" is not a term for this concept.
• "Polysynapomorphies" refers to shared derived traits, not simplicity in classification.

Answer:

B. Maximum parsimony