Why do some biologists NOT consider reptiles to be a monophyletic group?
A) Reptiles evolved independently at several different times in the past and from several different ancestral species.
B) Reptiles, birds, amphibians, and fish appeared in the fossil record at approximately the same time.
C) All reptiles do not reproduce sexually.
D) The ancestors of reptiles are the class Amphibia.
E) Birds are the direct descendants of some reptiles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reptiles are not considered a monophyletic group because birds, which are direct descendants of certain reptiles (like theropod dinosaurs), are not traditionally included in the reptile group, making reptiles paraphyletic instead.

Why Do Some Biologists NOT Consider Reptiles to Be a Monophyletic