Ancestral characters are traits that
A) characterize the last common ancestor that a particular collection of species share.
B) evolved after the last common ancestor that a particular collection of species share.
C) are less suited to the environment than derived characters.
D) are less specialized than derived characters.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ancestral characters are traits that characterize the last common ancestor that a particular collection of species share. They are considered primitive or basal traits that existed before the evolutionary split and diversification of species. Derived characters, on the other hand, are traits that evolved after the last common ancestor of a particular collection of species and are usually more specialized to suit the environment or ecological niche of those species.

Ancestral Characters Are Traits That