Understanding Cladograms

What is the term used for the most primitive organism in a cladogram?

• Matrix

• Primitive trait

• Out group

• Derived character

What is a derived character in a cladogram?

• A trait that is shared by all organisms

• A trait that is unique to one organism

• A trait that appeared later in evolution

• A trait that is absent in the out group

In a matrix, what does a '1' typically indicate about a trait?

• The trait is absent

• The trait is derived

• The trait is present

• The trait is primitive

How can you determine the most primitive organism in a matrix?

• By finding the organism with the most traits

• By identifying the organism with all zeros

• By looking for the organism with unique traits

• By choosing the first organism listed

What is the first step in constructing a cladogram from a matrix?

• Identify the out group

• List all traits

• Find a primitive character

• Draw the cladogram

What is the significance of a trait not being on the main line of a cladogram?

• It is a primitive trait

• It is unique to one organism

• It is shared by all organisms

• It is a derived character

When constructing a cladogram, what should you do if two traits are exactly the same?

• List them as derived traits

• Ignore one of them

• Separate them with a comma

• Choose one randomly

What should you do if there is no organism with all zeros in a matrix?

• Select the first organism listed

• Choose the organism with the most ones

• Select the organism with mostly zeros and a unique trait

• Ignore the organism

In the complex example from the AP exam, which organism was identified as the out group?

• Snake

• Chicken

• Penguin

• Donkey

In the AP exam example, which two organisms were most closely related?

• Chicken and Penguin

• Snake and Donkey

• Donkey and Horse

• Horse and Penguin