Drosophila yakuba and D. santomea are each other's closest relatives. Therefore, they are considered _______ species.
A) rooted
B) parapyletic
C) homologous
D) daughter
E) sister

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Drosophila yakuba and D. santomea are each other's closest relatives, meaning they share a common ancestor more recently than any other species. This makes them sister species. Choice A (rooted) refers to the position of a node on a phylogenetic tree and is not relevant to this question. Choice B (parapyletic) refers to a group that includes some but not all of the descendants of a common ancestor, but this does not apply to the relationship between D. yakuba and D. santomea. Choice C (homologous) refers to traits that are similar due to common ancestry, but again, it is not relevant in this context. Choice D (daughter) refers to a taxon that is within a larger taxon, but this is not applicable as both species are distinct taxonomic units.

Drosophila Yakuba and D