In grouping organisms together in a cladistic classification, the most important characteristics are those that are
A) ancestral
B) shared derived (modified)
C) shared primitive
D) analogous
E) homologous

Question

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In cladistic classification, the most important characteristics are those that are shared derived (modified). These characteristics are unique to a specific clade and indicate evolutionary relationships. Ancestral characteristics may not be informative in determining relationships between different groups, while shared primitive characteristics are present in multiple taxa and do not provide information about evolutionary divergence. Analogous characteristics are not inherited from a common ancestor and therefore do not indicate evolutionary relationships, while homologous characteristics can be shared between different groups due to convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry.

In Grouping Organisms Together in a Cladistic Classification, the Most