AP Biology Check: Phylogenetics

Which of the following best describes the relationship between a basal taxon and sister taxa in a phylogenetic tree?

• Basal taxon is the most recent common ancestor of sister taxa.

• Basal taxon diverges early and remains unbranched, while sister taxa share an immediate common ancestor.

• Basal taxon and sister taxa are always located at the tips of the tree.

• Basal taxon is a subgroup within sister taxa.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

When reading a phylogenetic tree, what does a node represent?

• A derived trait

• An ancestral trait

• A common ancestor

• An outgroup

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Which of the following is an example of comparative morphology?

• Comparing DNA sequences of different species

• Analyzing the bone structure of a bat's wing and a whale's flipper

• Observing embryonic development in frogs and humans

• Studying the protein synthesis pathways in bacteria

Which of the following examples shows a scientist using molecular homology?

• A scientist analyzing genetic sequences of different species.
• A scientist observing animal behavior in the wild.
• A scientist conducting a survey on plant growth rates.
• A scientist measuring the temperature of a chemical reaction.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS3-1

Analyze the role of embryonic homology in supporting the theory of evolution.

• It shows that all embryos develop in the same environment.

• It indicates that similar embryonic stages suggest a common ancestor.

• It proves that all species have identical embryonic development.

• It demonstrates that embryonic development is unrelated to evolution.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Apply your understanding of phylogenetic trees to determine which of the following is an outgroup.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Which of the following structures is an example of a vestigial structure?

• The wings of a bat

• The human appendix

• The fins of a fish

• The beak of a bird

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Group the examples based on what type of evidence they are part of.

Groups:

(a) Molecular Homology

,

(b) Comparative Anatomy

,

(c) Fossils

• Genetic Sequencing Comparisons

• Gene Expression Studies

• Vestigial Structures

• Fossil record analysis

• Embryonic Development Comparisons

• Protein Structure Analysis

• Fossilization process

• Homologous Structures

• Location within geologic layering

• Analogous Structures

• Functional Morphology

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

Understanding the concept of derived traits, which of the following is true?

• Derived traits are found only in the outgroup.

• Derived traits are shared by all members of a clade.

• Derived traits are unique to a particular lineage.

• Derived traits are ancestral traits.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

NGSS.HS-LS4-2

NGSS.HS-LS4-4

What is the difference between a cladogram & a phylogenetic tree?

• A cladogram shows only the final species, while a phylogenetic tree shows all ancestors.
• A cladogram is a type of phylogenetic tree that includes time scales.
• A phylogenetic tree only represents genetic similarities, while a cladogram shows physical traits.
• The main difference is that a cladogram emphasizes branching order and shared traits, while a phylogenetic tree includes evolutionary time and distances.