Evidence suggests that the crocodiles are more closely related to the birds than the turtles and snakes.If so, then including crocodiles, but not birds, in the Class Reptilia would make the Class Reptilia
A)a monophyletic group.
B)a paraphyletic group.
C)a polyphyletic group.
D)parsimonious.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A paraphyletic group includes a common ancestor and some, but not all, of its descendants. Excluding birds from Reptilia, despite their close relation to crocodiles, makes Reptilia paraphyletic.

Evidence Suggests That the Crocodiles Are More Closely Related to the Birds