[Campbell Biology P.611] Which statement accurately differentiates the interpretation of bra... | Practice Question
Which statement accurately differentiates the interpretation of branch lengths in Figure 26.13 versus Figure 26.14?
A: In Figure 26.13, branch lengths represent time, while in Figure 26.14, they represent genetic change.
B: Both figures use branch lengths to represent genetic change, but Figure 26.14 also includes fossil evidence.
C: In Figure 26.13, branch lengths are proportional to the amount of genetic change, whereas in Figure 26.14, they are proportional to time.
D: Figure 26.13 focuses on vertebrate evolution, while Figure 26.14 focuses on invertebrate evolution.
E: Neither figure uses branch lengths to represent a specific evolutionary factor.
Explanation
The text clearly explains the distinction: Figure 26.13's caption states, 'Branch lengths are proportional to the amount of genetic change', while Figure 26.14's caption says, 'the branch lengths are proportional to time'. This is a fundamental difference in how phylogenetic trees can represent evolutionary history.