Question

1. the diagram below illustrates possible pathways of some species. which statement is a valid inference based on the information in the diagram? a) species a is the common ancestor of all life on earth. b) species d is more closely related to species e than to species f. c) species b is the ancestor of species f. d) species c is the ancestor of species that exist at the present time.

Explanation:

• Option A: The diagram shows a lineage for some species, not all life on Earth. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Species D and E share a more recent common ancestor than D and F, so D is more closely related to E than F. This is valid.
• Option C: Species B and F have different lineages; B is not an ancestor of F. Eliminate C.
• Option D: Species C has its own descendants, not the ancestor of all present species. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. Species D is more closely related to species E than to species F.