Some species in a hypothetical family of beetles are winged, and others are wingless. Which of the following would be most useful in determining whether having wings or being wingless was the ancestral trait?
A) Homoplasies
B) Homologies
C) An outgroup
D) An ingroup
E) Maximum likelihood methods

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An outgroup would be useful in determining the ancestral trait because it is a species that is closely related to the beetles but not a member of the family in question. By comparing the presence or absence of wings in the outgroup to the presence or absence in the family of beetles, scientists can determine whether winged or wingless is the ancestral trait.

Some Species in a Hypothetical Family of Beetles Are Winged