Question

1. a) If a trait is a synapomorphy, which of the following statements is TRUE?

   		The trait is found only an ancestral species.
   		The trait must exist in all taxa on the “tips” of the phylogeny.
   		The trait can be unique to one taxon.
   		The trait is present in a clade, but not in the outgroup.

b) Which of the following is NOT a true statement about Flowers?

		They have been completely lost in dense populations of grasses that use wind pollination.
		They are often adapted to attract animal pollinators with bright colors and sugary nectar.
		The specialized structures that makeup Flowers are actually modified leaves.
		They are unique to Angiosperms.
		The ovary present in the Flower will eventually develop into Fruit after fertilization.

Answer 1

a)

The trait is present in a clade, but not in the outgroup

A synapomorphy is a characteristic that distinguishes a clade fro, all the other clades in the phylogeny. It is shared by all individuals in a clade, including the most recent common ancestor of the clade.

b)

The ovary present in the Flower will eventually develop into Fruit after fertilization.

The ovary need not develop into fruit and in some species, it remains undeveloped.