Texas A&M University (TAMU) BIOL112 Introductory Biology II Lab Exam 1 Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

In the context of constructing phylogenetic trees, what does a "1" signify?

It indicates an ancestral state

It represents a derived state

In the context of constructing phylogenetic trees, a "1" typically signifies a derived state. This means that the feature or trait represented by "1" is one that has evolved in a lineage after it diverged from its ancestors. This contrasts with the ancestral state, which would be represented by a "0" or another marker, indicating traits present in common ancestors.

Understanding the implications of derived versus ancestral states is crucial in phylogenetics. Derived traits can help researchers identify how different species or groups are related to one another and can provide insight into evolutionary adaptations that have occurred over time. Phylogenetic trees often map out these relationships, helping to illustrate how characteristics have changed and evolved throughout the history of the organisms being analyzed.

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It denotes a shared trait

It indicates an outgroup relationship

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