A systematist includes a lizard in a phylogenetic analysis of relationships among bird families. In this analysis, the lizard would be treated as
A)the ingroup.
B)the outgroup.
C)a derived group.
D)an analogous group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The lizard would be treated as the outgroup, as it is not closely related to the bird families being analyzed. It is used as a reference point to help determine which characteristics are shared derived traits within the ingroup.

A Systematist Includes a Lizard in a Phylogenetic Analysis of Relationships