[Campbell Biology P.621] Based on the provided phylogenetic tree showing Salamander, Lizard,... | Practice Question

Based on the provided phylogenetic tree showing Salamander, Lizard, Goat, and Human, which statement is correct?

  • A: Lizards and goats form a sister group.
  • B: Salamanders are a sister group to the group containing lizards, goats, and humans.
  • C: Salamanders are more closely related to lizards than to humans.
  • D: Goats and humans are the only sister group shown in this tree.

Explanation

In a phylogenetic tree, a sister group consists of two lineages that diverged from the same common ancestor. In the given tree, Salamanders branch off first, making them a sister group to the entire clade comprising Lizards, Goats, and Humans.