Classification Based on Evolutionary Relationships

In a cladogram, when does a group of organisms branch off?

• when a new trait evolves
• when an ancestor becomes extinct
• when it is discovered
• hen it becomes large enough

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Sophie says dolphins and sharks look very similar, so they must be related. Jake disagrees, saying DNA evidence has shown that dolphins and other aquatic mammals are actually more closely related to the ancestors of modern hippos. Who is correct using the modern system of classification?

• Sophie is correct because dolphins look more like sharks than like hippos.
• Jake is correct because classification is based on evolutionary relationships.
• Both are correct because traditional and modern classifications can overlap.
• Neither is correct because neither is taking into account both the traditional and modern systems

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which best describes traditional classification?

• It is based on shared characteristics. 
• It is based on evolutionary relationships.
• It is called phylogenetic classification.
• It is called cladistics.

Which describes the modern classification system?

• based on evolutionary relationships
• called Linnean classification
• based on similar appearances
• called Darwinian classification

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

If two organisms are in the same clade, what can you predict about their relationship?

• They are not closely related. 
• They share a common ancestor.
• They compete for resources.
• One organism evolved into the other organism.

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

In a cladogram, what occurs at a node?

• A derived trait appears. 
• Evolution is stopped.
• An ancestor dies.
• The cladogram ends.

Which best describes derived characteristics?

• They appear in all the ancestors.
• They appear at the end of each branch. 
• They are newly evolved traits.
• They stem from primary characteristics.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A scientist discovers a new organism that is related to clownfish. What can the scientist discover by using molecular clocks?

• the date that the organism first appeared in the fossil record
• the age of the organism
• the amount of time that the two species have been evolving apart
• the number of years that fish have existed

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NGSS.HS-LS4-1

According to the cladogram, which organisms are in the smallest clade with birds?

• crocodiles
• primates
• rodents and rabbits
• sharks

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NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Consider the cladogram. Which is the best description of the two organisms highlighted in pink?

• They are separated by two nodes.
• They share a recent common ancestor.
• They belong to the same species.
• They are ancestors of each other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2