The phylogeny below represents a hypothesis for the evolutionary relationships among major groups of plants. If it is correct, in what order should we predict to find the fossils of these groups, in order from oldest to youngest?
A)flower group, conifer group, ferns, moss group
B)conifer group, ferns, moss group, flower group
C)ferns, moss group, conifer group, flower group
D)moss group, ferns, conifer group, flower group
E)ferns, conifer group, moss group, flower group

Question

The phylogeny below represents a hypothesis for the evolutionary relationships among major groups of plants. If it is correct, in what order should we predict to find the fossils of these groups, in order from oldest to youngest? 
A)flower group, conifer group, ferns, moss group 
B)conifer group, ferns, moss group, flower group 
C)ferns, moss group, conifer group, flower group 
D)moss group, ferns, conifer group, flower group 
E)ferns, conifer group, moss group, flower group

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the phylogeny, the moss group is the oldest and is followed by ferns, conifer group, and the flower group is the youngest. Therefore, the correct order of fossil appearance would be moss group, ferns, conifer group, and finally the flower group.

The Phylogeny Below Represents a Hypothesis for the Evolutionary Relationships