The maximum parsimony principle states that the most probable phylogenetic tree is one:
A)with the fewest number of species represented
B)with the maximum number of species represented
C)based on the fewest changes in the genetic code
D)based on the maximum number of changes in the genetic code

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The maximum parsimony principle states that the most probable phylogenetic tree is the one that requires the fewest number of evolutionary changes to explain the observed data. In the case of molecular data, this means that the most parsimonious tree is the one that requires the fewest number of changes in the genetic code to explain the observed differences in DNA or amino acid sequences. Therefore, choice C, based on the fewest changes in the genetic code, is the best answer.

The Maximum Parsimony Principle States That the Most Probable Phylogenetic