Phylogenetics Terminology Quiz

What is another term for Ancestral State?

• Synapomorphy

• Apomorphy

• Homoplasy

• Plesiomorphy

Answer explanation

Another term for Ancestral State is Plesiomorphy, which refers to a primitive or ancestral characteristic shared by a group of organisms.

Which type of evolution results in similar traits in unrelated organisms due to similar environments?

• Convergent Evolution

• Parallel Evolution

• Homology

• Reversal (Secondary Loss)

Answer explanation

Convergent Evolution results in similar traits in unrelated organisms due to similar environments.

What is the term for a derived trait shared by two or more taxa from their most recent common ancestor?

• Plesiomorphy

• Homoplasy

• Apomorphy

• Synapomorphy

Answer explanation

A synapomorphy is a derived trait shared by two or more taxa from their most recent common ancestor, distinguishing them from more distant relatives. It is a key concept in phylogenetics.

What is an example of a synapomorphy?

• Cave-dwelling fish losing eyesight

• Feathers in birds

• Cacti-like structures in plants

• Wings in bats and birds

Answer explanation

Feathers in birds is an example of a synapomorphy, as it is a shared derived trait that defines the group.

Which type of homoplasy involves the loss of a derived trait and a reversion to an ancestral state?

• Convergent Evolution

• Parallel Evolution

• Reversal (Secondary Loss)

• Homology

Answer explanation

Reversal (Secondary Loss) involves the loss of a derived trait and a reversion to an ancestral state, making it the correct choice in this context.

What is the function of feathers in birds?

• Insulation only

• Flight only

• Display only

• Multiple functions including insulation, display, and flight

Answer explanation

Feathers in birds serve multiple functions including insulation, display, and flight.

What is an autapomorphy?

• Convergent evolution

• Ancestral state

• Unique derived state

• Shared derived state

Answer explanation

An autapomorphy is a unique derived state, distinguishing a particular taxon from all other members of a group.

Which trait is considered a plesiomorphy within vertebrates?

• Thumb

• Backbone

• Feathers

• Eyesight

Answer explanation

The correct trait considered a plesiomorphy within vertebrates is the backbone, as it is a primitive characteristic shared by all vertebrates.

What is the term for similarity due to common ancestry?

• Synapomorphy

• Apomorphy

• Homology

• Homoplasy

Answer explanation

Homology refers to similarity due to common ancestry, making it the correct term in this context.

What is the purpose of identifying homologous traits in constructing phylogenetic trees?

• To trace lineage and evolutionary history

• To create homoplasy examples

• To confuse researchers

• To hide evolutionary relationships

Answer explanation

Identifying homologous traits helps trace lineage and evolutionary history by showing shared characteristics inherited from a common ancestor.