[Campbell Biology P.602] According to the main phylogenetic tree, which of the following cha... | Practice Question

According to the main phylogenetic tree, which of the following characteristics is shared by the common ancestor of humans, chimps, geckos, snakes, iguanas, and glass lizards, but NOT by fishes and frogs?

  • A: Hair
  • B: Four limbs
  • C: No limbs
  • D: Vertebrae

Explanation

The 'Four limbs' hatch mark on the phylogenetic tree indicates a derived character shared by the lineage that includes humans, chimps, geckos, snakes, iguanas, and glass lizards, but not by fishes or frogs. The explanation text also states 'This common ancestor had limbs, as do geckos and iguanas, but limbs were lost in the lineages leading to snakes and glass lizards'.