Question

question 8
10 points
a ___ is a shared derived characteristic that is present in a group of organisms and is used to identify a monophyletic group, meaning they all evolved from a common ancestor.
(a) homoplasy
(b) symplesiomorphy
(c) synapomorphy

Explanation:

A synapomorphy is a shared - derived characteristic used to identify a monophyletic group. Homoplasy is a similar trait not due to common ancestry. Symplesiomorphy is a shared ancestral trait.

Answer:

C. synapomorphy