The exam will consist of 20 multiple choice questions (worth 1 point each; 5 opt

Question

The exam will consist of 20 multiple choice questions (worth 1 point each; 5 options per question) and one short essay question (worth 5 pts). You will get one of the following essay questions in the exam (the numbers in parenthesis indicate how many points we will award for each part of a question): 2. What is the difference between a synapomorphy (shared derived trait), a symplesiomorphy (shared ancestral trait) and a homoplasy (analogy) (2)? Give an anatomical or a molecular example of each (1)? Propose a hypothetical evolutionary explanation for your example of homoplasy (1)? Which kind of trait is more appropriate for inferring phylogenetic relationships between taxa? Explain (1). (including spaces) for your essay. To give you an idea of how long that is, the full text of this announcement is 2,497 characters long. Any of the above questions is answerable in 1,000 to 1,500 characters. Note that you will not get extra points for length, or for additional examples. Indeed, if you write too much and some of it is wrong, you will lose points. Instead, focus on being as clear and succinct as possible. The exam will consist of 20 multiple choice questions (worth 1 point each; 5 options per question) and one short essay question (worth 5 pts). You will get one of the following essay questions in the exam (the numbers in parenthesis indicate how many points we will award for each part of a question): 2. What is the difference between a synapomorphy (shared derived trait), a symplesiomorphy (shared ancestral trait) and a homoplasy (analogy) (2)? Give an anatomical or a molecular example of each (1)? Propose a hypothetical evolutionary explanation for your example of homoplasy (1)? Which kind of trait is more appropriate for inferring phylogenetic relationships between taxa? Explain (1). (including spaces) for your essay. To give you an idea of how long that is, the full text of this announcement is 2,497 characters long. Any of the above questions is answerable in 1,000 to 1,500 characters. Note that you will not get extra points for length, or for additional examples. Indeed, if you write too much and some of it is wrong, you will lose points. Instead, focus on being as clear and succinct as possible. The exam will consist of 20 multiple choice questions (worth 1 point each; 5 options per question) and one short essay question (worth 5 pts). You will get one of the following essay questions in the exam (the numbers in parenthesis indicate how many points we will award for each part of a question): 2. What is the difference between a synapomorphy (shared derived trait), a symplesiomorphy (shared ancestral trait) and a homoplasy (analogy) (2)? Give an anatomical or a molecular example of each (1)? Propose a hypothetical evolutionary explanation for your example of homoplasy (1)? Which kind of trait is more appropriate for inferring phylogenetic relationships between taxa? Explain (1). (including spaces) for your essay. To give you an idea of how long that is, the full text of this announcement is 2,497 characters long. Any of the above questions is answerable in 1,000 to 1,500 characters. Note that you will not get extra points for length, or for additional examples. Indeed, if you write too much and some of it is wrong, you will lose points. Instead, focus on being as clear and succinct as possible.

Explanation / Answer

In synapomorphy, the trait is shared by more than two taxa (visible character in multiple tasa or multiple groups) that are originated from the most recent common ancestor. Eg: Dipteran halteres (modified wings in winged flies).

In symplesiomorphy also the trait is shared by more than two taxa (visible character in multiple tasa or multiple groups) but the taxa are related by older than the last common ancestor. Eg: Toes on the hind legs of rats and apes, both are five in number, but are linked by remote common ancestor.

In homoplasy, the trait is shared by different independent taxa, which do not have a common ancestor. Eg: Homeothermy in mammals and birds.

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