UEvo - Cladograms/Phylogenetic Trees

What is the human most closely related to?

• Fish

• mouse

• Salamander

• Human

Answer explanation

Humans share a closer evolutionary relationship with mice than with fish or salamanders. Genetic studies show that humans and mice have significant similarities in their DNA, making mice the most closely related among the options.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Where is the alligator and T. rex's common ancestor?

• Point A

• Point B

• Point C

• Point D

Answer explanation

The common ancestor of alligators and T. rex is found at Point C, as it represents the divergence in their evolutionary lineage, indicating they share a more recent common ancestor compared to the other points.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

All the animals to the right of the hagfish would have the common characteristic of -

• Fur

• Claws or nails

• Lungs

• Jaws

Answer explanation

The hagfish are jawless fish, while all animals to the right possess jaws, a key evolutionary trait that distinguishes them from hagfish. Thus, the common characteristic of these animals is having jaws.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What is the purpose of a cladogram?

• To map the ancestral relationships and shared traits of different organisms.

• To trace the inherited traits of a single species over time.

• To check the likelihood of an offspring having a particular trait.

• To monitor mutations that arise among different populations.

Answer explanation

A cladogram visually represents the evolutionary relationships among different organisms, highlighting their shared traits and common ancestors, making it essential for understanding biodiversity.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which trait should go where A is on the cladogram?

• eyes

• feet

• lips

• hat

Answer explanation

The trait 'eyes' is a fundamental characteristic that can be used to differentiate species on a cladogram, while 'feet', 'lips', and 'hat' are less relevant for evolutionary relationships. Thus, 'eyes' is the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which number represents the common ancestor of all species on the tree?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

The number 1 represents the common ancestor of all species on the tree, as it is typically depicted as the root node from which all other species diverge.

Why are advantageous traits more likely to be passed onto offspring?

• Because they are more likely to survive and reproduce.

• Because they come from dominant alleles.

• Because they come from recessive alleles.

• Because the trait is an acquired phenotype.

Answer explanation

Advantageous traits enhance an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. This increases the likelihood that these traits will be passed on to the next generation, making them more common over time.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

What number is the common ancestor of C and D

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Answer explanation

The common ancestor of C and D is 4, as it is the highest number that divides both C and D without leaving a remainder. This makes 4 the greatest common divisor, confirming it as their common ancestor.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

What does each branch point on a cladogram represent?

• The extinction of a species

• A mutation in a single organism

• A common ancestor shared by descendant groups

• The appearance of a new habitat

Answer explanation

Each branch point on a cladogram represents a common ancestor shared by descendant groups, illustrating evolutionary relationships. This choice highlights the lineage and divergence of species over time.

The (a)   is the most related to the bird.

The ​ (b)   is the most closely related to the primates.

The oldest, or least evolved, animal is the ​ (c)   .

The reptiles and birds both have the trait ​ (d)   in common, no other organism has it!

• Reptile

• Rodent

• Fish

• egg shells

• Amphibians

• Birds

• Primates

• Vertebrae

• Hair/fur

• amniotic egg

Answer explanation

The reptile is most related to birds as they share a common ancestor and both lay eggs. Rodents are closely related to primates, while fish are less evolved. Egg shells are a unique trait of reptiles and birds.