Evolutionary biologists, like all scientists, must be careful to consider multip

Question

Evolutionary biologists, like all scientists, must be careful to consider multiple plausible hypotheses to explain observed evolutionary phenomena. These trees show four possible hypotheses (A, B, C, D) for the evolution of wings in insects. The presence of wings in a species is indicated by a +at the branch tip, and the absence of wings is indicated by “-" Gains and losses of wings are indicated using the same convention in boxes along the branches. (4 pts) a) Which one or more of these four trees involves a convergence? b) Which one or more of these four trees involves a reversal? c) Which one or more of these four trees is the most likely under the principle of maximum parsimony? d) Neatly redraw this tree and indicate a still more parsimonious hypothesis for the evolution of wings in insects Use the same +- convention as in the original trees. Springtail Bristletail Silverfish Springtail - Bristletail -Silverfish + Dragonfly +Damselfly Mayfly + Dragonfly Damselfly + Mayfly +Other insects - Springtail - Bristletail Silverfislh + Dragonfly + Other insects Springtail Bristletail Silverfish + Dragonfly + Damselfly Damselfly +Mayfly +Mayfly

Explanation / Answer

a) tree D (Convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar features in species of different lineages. Convergent evolution creates analogous structures that have similar form or function but were not present in the last common ancestor of those groups.

b) tree B and C( Evolutionary reversal occurs when a trait reverts from the derived state back to an ancestral state)

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