Why might a phylogeny based only on molecular data show a different pattern of relationships than a phylogeny of the same taxa based only on morphological traits?

a) Gene sequences always provide more data than morphological traits.

b) Morphological analyses always provide more data, because each morphological trait is the result of the expression of many genes.

c) The molecular data may be based on the analysis of introns, which aren't expressed and don't contribute to the evolutionary history of a group of taxa.

d) Some highly conserved genetic sequences can result in unrelated species appearing closely related in a molecular phylogeny, and do not reflect the same pattern as the morphologic phylogeny.

Question

Biology

Lainey

5 August, 04:58

Why might a phylogeny based only on molecular data show a different pattern of relationships than a phylogeny of the same taxa based only on morphological traits?

a) Gene sequences always provide more data than morphological traits.

b) Morphological analyses always provide more data, because each morphological trait is the result of the expression of many genes.

c) The molecular data may be based on the analysis of introns, which aren't expressed and don't contribute to the evolutionary history of a group of taxa.

d) Some highly conserved genetic sequences can result in unrelated species appearing closely related in a molecular phylogeny, and do not reflect the same pattern as the morphologic phylogeny.

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Answers (1)

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Giada Howell · Answer 1

d) Some highly conserved genetic sequences can result in unrelated species appearing closely related in a molecular phylogeny, and do not reflect the same pattern as the morphologic phylogeny.

Explanation:

Phylogeny started based on physical structures that could be easily observed while dissecting and organism. Molecular biology changed everything because it can track origins and relationships further. Animals can have a common ancestor but have lost similarity due to evolution. On the other hand animals can look similar but have a different origin as the result of convergent evolution.