[Campbell Biology P.612] Based on the "Results" section of Figure 26.15, which of the three ... | Practice Question

Based on the "Results" section of Figure 26.15, which of the three phylogenetic hypotheses presented is identified as the most parsimonious, and what is its total number of base-change events across all four sites?

  • A: The first tree, with a total of 6 events.
  • B: The second tree, with a total of 7 events.
  • C: The third tree, with a total of 7 events.
  • D: All three trees are equally parsimonious, each requiring 7 events.

Explanation

The 'Results' section states: 'We conclude that the first tree is the most parsimonious of the three possible phylogenies.' The accompanying diagrams clearly show that the first tree requires '6 events' in total, while the other two require '7 events' each.