1.
The Greek roots in the term taxonomy can be translated as "arranging-rules." Explain why these roots were an appropriate choice for this term.
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2.
On the phylogenetic tree shown here, label the most recent common ancestor of species A and species B, and the common ancestor of all four species included in the tree. Circle the tips, which represent the four species included in the study.
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3.
Why was it important for Linnaeus to establish the rule that only one type of organism can have a particular genus and species name?
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4.
Compare and contrast natural selection with the process that led to the divergence of a wild mustard plant into cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
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5.
Consider the following two quotations from the text: "If the theory of evolution is true, then SSU RNA sequences should be very similar in closely related organisms, but less similar in organisms that are less closely related." "On a phylogenetic tree, branches that are close to one another represent species that are closely related; branches that are farther away represent species that are more distantly related." These statements explain the logic behind using molecular sequence data to estimate evolutionary relationships. Is this logic sound? Why or why not?
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6.
In the introduction to this chapter, the author states that his goal is to "convince you that the diversity of life is indeed remarkable, and that biologists have identified fundamental mechanisms and traits that unify all organisms." Was this goal fulfilled? If so, what did you learn about the diversity of life? What did you learn about the traits and mechanisms that unify organisms?
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