The wasp genus Nasonia contains all of the descendants of the common ancestor of its members. This genus therefore would be called
A) a synapomorphy.
B) a polyphyly.
C) a clade.
D) parsimonious.
E) self-compatible.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The definition of a clade is a group of organisms that includes all descendants of a common ancestor. Nasonia contains all descendants of the common ancestor of its members, so it fits this definition. A synapomorphy is a shared derived character that identifies a clade, and polyphyly refers to a group that does not include all descendants of a common ancestor. Parsimonious refers to the principle of choosing the simplest explanation with the fewest assumptions. Self-compatible refers to the ability of a plant to fertilize itself.

The Wasp Genus Nasonia Contains All of the Descendants of the Common