The next few questions refer to the following evolutionary tree, whose horizontal axis represents time (present time is on the far right) and whose vertical axis represents morphological change.

-Which species is least expected to have a good record of transitional fossils; in other words, which species' fossils, if present at all, are expected only in relatively superficial (i.e., shallow)strata?
A) V
B) W
C) X
D) Y
E) Z

Question

The next few questions refer to the following evolutionary tree, whose horizontal axis represents time (present time is on the far right) and whose vertical axis represents morphological change.
 
-Which species is least expected to have a good record of transitional fossils; in other words, which species' fossils, if present at all, are expected only in relatively superficial (i.e., shallow)strata?
A) V 
B) W 
C) X 
D) Y 
E) Z

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Species V is the only one that branches off early in the evolutionary tree and does not share a common ancestor with any of the other species for a relatively long time. Therefore, it is expected to have a shorter period of morphological change and fewer transitional fossils.

The Next Few Questions Refer to the Following Evolutionary Tree