According to the principle of parsimony, the best phylogenetic hypothesis is the one that requires the
A) fewest homologies.
B) most homoplasies.
C) fewest homoplasies.
D) most clades.
E) fewest clades.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of parsimony states that the simplest explanation that requires the fewest evolutionary changes is the most likely to be correct. In terms of phylogenetic hypotheses, this means that the one with the fewest homoplasies (traits that evolved independently in different lineages) is the best choice. Therefore, choice C - fewest homoplasies - is the correct answer.

According to the Principle of Parsimony, the Best Phylogenetic Hypothesis