CLADOGRAMS

The cladogram shows one theory of how species of hominin evolved.

What can be deduced using the information in the cladogram?

• The closest species to K. platyops is A. africanus.

• A. afarensis is extinct.

• The DNA of H. sapiens is the same as that of H. ergaster.

• H. sapiens and P. robustus shared a common ancestor.

What information can be deduced from the sequence of nodes in a cladogram?

• The geological period in which the species in the clade diverged from their common ancestor

• The probable sequence of divergence among the species in the clade

• The number of characteristics the species have in common

• The number of mutations that have occurred since the species shared a common ancestor

The DNA base sequences in a gene coding for a particular protein in four different species are shown. Locations where mutations have occurred resulting in changes to the base sequences are outlined in boxes. Which cladogram shows the most likely phylogenetic relationship between the four species, based on the data provided?

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The cladogram was constructed using DNA base sequences from six species. Which node indicates the greatest difference in base sequences?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The table shows the number of differences between humans and other selected organisms for the protein cytochrome c oxidase. This protein, consisting of 104 amino acids, is located in the mitochondria and functions as an enzyme during cell respiration. If the data were used to draw a cladogram, which chordates would be furthest apart from humans?

• Chimpanzee because it has zero differences

• Fruit fly because it has the most differences

• Tuna fish because it is the chordate with the most differences

• Horse because it is in the same class