Which of the following statements best describes the rationale for applying the principle of maximum parsimony in constructing phylogenetic trees?
A) Parsimony allows the researcher to "root" the tree.
B) For trees based on morphology, the most parsimonious tree requires the fewest evolutionary events.
C) The principal of analogy validates the principle of parsimony.
D) The outgroup roots the tree, allowing the principle of parsimony to be applied.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of maximum parsimony is used in constructing phylogenetic trees because it assumes the simplest explanation, requiring the fewest evolutionary events, is most likely to be correct. This approach minimizes the number of character state changes (such as mutations) needed to explain the observed differences among species.

Which of the Following Statements Best Describes the Rationale for Applying