Contemporary systems of taxonomy expect taxa to
A) fit in the Linnaean system.
B) be monophyletic (that is, clades).
C) be paraphyletic.
D) be polyphyletic.
E) be synapomorphies.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Contemporary systems of taxonomy are based on evolutionary relationships and hence expect taxa to be monophyletic, which means they include all descendants of a common ancestor. Non-monophyletic taxa such as paraphyletic (which includes only some descendants but not all) and polyphyletic (which includes members with different ancestors) are not considered valid in modern taxonomy. Linnaean system is used for classification purposes but does not necessarily reflect evolutionary relationships. Synapomorphies refer to shared derived characteristics and are used to infer evolutionary relationships, but are not expected to be the sole criterion for defining taxa.

Contemporary Systems of Taxonomy Expect Taxa to