If you were using cladistics to build a phylogenetic tree of cats, which of the following would be the best outgroup?
A) lion
B) domestic cat
C) fox
D) leopard

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An outgroup is a species that is closely related to the group being studied but is not a part of it. In this case, we want an outgroup that is closely related to cats but not a cat itself. Foxes are in the same family (Felidae) as cats, but they are not actual cats. Therefore, they make the best choice for an outgroup in building a phylogenetic tree of cats.

If You Were Using Cladistics to Build a Phylogenetic Tree