The principle of parsimony ____ for constructing the phylogenetic tree that represents the smallest number of evolutionary changes.
A) minimizes the number of homologies
B) maximizes the number of homologies
C) completely ignores homologies
D) minimizes the number of homoplasies
E) maximizes the number of homoplasies

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of parsimony aims to minimize the number of homoplasies, which are traits that have arisen independently in different lineages, thus favoring the simplest explanation or path of evolutionary changes.

The Principle of Parsimony ____ for Constructing the Phylogenetic Tree