If you were using cladistics to build a phylogenetic tree of cats, which of the following would be the best outgroup?
A) lion
B) domestic cat
C) wolf
D) leopard

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An outgroup should be a species that is closely related to the group being studied but diverged earlier. Wolves are closely related to cats but belong to a different family (Canidae). Therefore, using wolf as an outgroup would help to root the phylogenetic tree and establish the timing of divergence between the two families. The other choices are all members of the Felidae family and would not be suitable as outgroups.

If You Were Using Cladistics to Build a Phylogenetic Tree