Figure 27.6
-Applying the principle of parsimony to the trait "ability to fly," which of the two phylogenetic trees above is better?

Question

Figure 27.6 
-Applying the principle of parsimony to the trait "ability to fly," which of the two phylogenetic trees above is better?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tree 1 is more parsimonious because it requires only one evolutionary event (loss of flight) to explain the absence of flight in penguins, while Tree 2 requires two events (independent origin of flight in birds and loss of flight in penguins).

Figure 27.6 -Applying the Principle of Parsimony to the Trait "Ability to Trait