Which concept adds a dimension of time to a phylogenetic analysis?
A) Maximum likelihood
B) Parsimony
C) Synapomorphy
D) Occam's razor
E) A molecular clock

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A molecular clock is a concept that adds a dimension of time to a phylogenetic analysis by using the idea that mutations occur at a constant rate, like a ticking clock. This allows for an estimation of when two organisms share a common ancestor and can provide information on the timing of evolutionary events. Maximum likelihood and parsimony are methods used to build phylogenetic trees but do not add a dimension of time. Synapomorphy refers to a shared derived character among a group of organisms and Occam's razor is a principle of parsimony stating that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

Which Concept Adds a Dimension of Time to a Phylogenetic