VCU Biology 152 Exam 2 Review Questions
And Answers 100% Pass
What is the Linnaean Classification (inclusive to specific)? - ANS Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
What is a Phylogeny? - ANS Evolutionary Trees / History
Define each portion of the phylogenetic tree:
Root
Branch Point
Basal Taxon
Sister Taxon
Polytomy - ANS Root - Starting point
Branch Point - Point where the lineage splits
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Basal Taxon - Lineage that does not branch
Sister Taxon - Lineage with shared root
Polytomy - Lineage greater than 2 with a share root (scientists have not fully comprehended the
relationship)
Analogous Features - ANS Features with the same function, but different ancestry
Homologous Features - ANS Features with the same structure and related ancestry
Homoplasy - ANS Analogous structures or molecular sequences that evolved independently
Homologies vs Homoplasies - ANS Homology - More complex similar structures
Homoplasy - Less complex similar structures
The Law of Parsimony (Occam's Razor) - ANS The scientific principle that things are usually
connected or behave in the simplest or most economical way, especially with reference to
alternative evolutionary pathways.
Synapomorphy - ANS Shared derived characteristic
Plesiomorphy - ANS Shared ancestral characteristic
Which types of phylogenic trees are preferred? - ANS Simple ones because they are the
easiest explanation of data.