Question

When looking at a phylogeny, like the one in the image, a node represents

a. A common ancestor
b. A speciation event
c. One living species giving rise to two new species
d. A or B
e. All of the above

Answer 1

A phylogeny node represents a common ancestor, a speciation event, and the divergence of one species into two, thus answer 'e. All of the above is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

When looking at a phylogeny, a node represents both a common ancestor and a speciation event. This means that the correct answer to the question is 'e. All of the above.

A node or branch point on a phylogenetic tree is where a single lineage splits into distinct new ones. During such speciation events, it is possible for one ancestral species to give rise to two new species, making nodes critical points in evolutionary history showing divergence.

Furthermore, the length of each branch provides information about the passing of time since the divergence occurred. Therefore, the correct answer is e. All of the above