Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding phylogenetic trees?
A)Phylogenetic trees are only constructed based on morphological data; molecular data (even for viruses)is never used in the construction of such trees.
B)As synapomorphies only occur for morphological characters, molecular sequence synapomorphies cannot be used to construct phylogenetic trees.
C)Both morphological and molecular synapomorphies can be used to construct phylogenetic trees.
D)Phylogenetic trees based on molecular sequence data always assume that the rate of evolution varies between different organisms.
E)Phylogenetic trees are always constructed based on morphological or molecular sequence data-never both.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both morphological and molecular synapomorphies can be used to construct phylogenetic trees. In fact, the use of molecular data has become increasingly common due to its ability to provide more precise and accurate information than morphological data alone. Some molecular sequences can provide synapomorphies that reflect evolutionary relationships that may not be evident from morphological features. Additionally, molecular data can be obtained from a wider range of species, including those that may not have fossil records, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of evolutionary relationships.

Which of the Following Statements Is TRUE Regarding Phylogenetic Trees