Question

Consider the anatomy of the following six genera: Branchiostomata (Amphioxus), Petromyzon (Lamprey), Squalus (Dogfish), Perca (Perch), Necturus (Mudpuppy) and Lithobates (Bullfrog). Recall that you had the opportunity to study these animals in the laboratory portion of this course.

1. Construct a table listing the important characters of each of these six genera that you think would be useful in constructing a cladogram or phylogenetic tree. Indicate which characters might be plesiomorphic (generalized for some or all of these taxa) and which might be apomorphic (derived) for each of the taxa. (10 points)

2. Using the information from your table, construct a cladogram or phylogenetic tree showing the assumed phylogenetic relationships of these chordates. (5 points)

In a logical well thought out essay, using the anatomy of these six genera justify your cladogram or phylogenetic tree

Answer 1