Applying the principle of parsimony to the trait "ability to fly", which of the two phylogenetic trees is better?
A) Tree 1
B) Tree 2
C) Both trees are equally parsimonious.
D) Since the trees show different evolutionary relationships, you cannot determine which is more parsimonious.

Question

Applying the principle of parsimony to the trait "ability to fly", which of the two phylogenetic trees is better?
A) Tree 1 
B) Tree 2 
C) Both trees are equally parsimonious. 
D) Since the trees show different evolutionary relationships, you cannot determine which is more parsimonious.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Tree 1 is more parsimonious as it requires fewer evolutionary changes to explain the evolution of "ability to fly." In Tree 1, "ability to fly" evolved only once in the common ancestor of birds and bats, while in Tree 2, it evolved twice independently in birds and bats.

Applying the Principle of Parsimony to the Trait "Ability to Fly