In the future, phylogenetic studies should be conducted to ________.
A) resolve the branching patterns (evolutionary history) of the Lophotrochozoa
B) discover the Hox genes in sponges
C) discover the relationships between nematodes and platyhelminthes
D) discover the larval stages of echinoderms

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Phylogenetic studies are used to uncover the evolutionary relationships between organisms. Conducting phylogenetic studies on the Lophotrochozoa would help resolve their branching patterns and help us better understand their evolutionary history.

Answer: C
 Conducting a phylogenetic study on nematodes and platyhelminthes would help us understand the evolutionary relationship between these two groups of organisms.

Answer: D
 While conducting a phylogenetic study on echinoderms might be interesting and informative, it is not as pressing a question as resolving the branching patterns of the Lophotrochozoa or discovering the relationship between nematodes and platyhelminthes. Therefore, option D is not the best choice.

Thus, the best choices are A and C.

In the Future, Phylogenetic Studies Should Be Conducted to ________