Using what you know about the organisms below andor the trus

Using what you know about the organisms below (and/or the trusty internet) create a matrix of six binary characters that could be helpful in understanding the phylogenetic relationships of these organism. Code the character status in the matrix below. Character 1: Character 2: Character 3: Character 4: Character 5: Character 6: Map your characters onto the two phylogenies below. Using a parsimony criterion which phylogeny is the best hypothesis about the relationships among these organisms? Why? Using the phylogeny on the right, list a symplesiomorphy for the classification Mammalia (Whale + Horse + Bat). List a symplesiomorphy for the classification Amniota (Reptilia + Mammalia). Using the entire tree on the right come up with one characteristic that is homoplastic. What are the causes of homoplasy?

Solution

3.

We would take following characters

Endothermic

Vertebrate

Ureotelic

Viviparous

Breath through lungs

Limbs

Presence for 1 absence = 0

4. The second phylogenic tree is providing best hypothesis for relations amongst the organisms. The tree is differentiating clearly on the basis of reproduction system; Bat, whale, and horse are viviparous. Frog is amphibian so it occupies less similarity amongst all organisms.