Four different phylogenetic trees of a group of salamanders have been proposed.Trees A and B each require 12 homoplasies, but tree A requires 14 synapomorphies and tree B requires 13 synapomorphies.Tree C requires 15 homoplasies and 13 synapomorphies.Finally, tree D requires 10 homoplasies and 15 synapomorphies.According to the principle of parsimony, which tree(s) is/are the most accurate?
A) Tree A only
B) Tree B only
C) Tree C only
D) Tree D only
E) Both tree A and tree B

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of parsimony states that the tree with the fewest number of evolutionary changes (homoplasies) should be favored. Therefore, tree D, which requires the fewest number of homoplasies (10) and the highest number of synapomorphies (15), is the most accurate. Trees A, B, and C all require more homoplasies than tree D. Therefore, neither tree A, B, nor C would be considered the most accurate according to the principle of parsimony.

Four Different Phylogenetic Trees of a Group of Salamanders Have