Describe maximum parsimony

Question 1

What is the principle of maximum parsimony?

Answer 1

The principle of maximum parsimony states that the simplest explanation or path, requiring the fewest evolutionary changes, is preferred when constructing phylogenetic trees.

Question 2

True or False: Maximum parsimony aims to minimize the number of character changes in a phylogenetic tree.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Fill in the blank: Maximum parsimony is often used in __________ analysis.

Answer 3

phylogenetic

Question 4

Which of the following methods is commonly associated with maximum parsimony? A) Distance methods B) Cladistics C) Bayesian inference

Answer 4

B) Cladistics

Question 5

What type of data is typically used in maximum parsimony analysis?

Answer 5

Molecular data, such as DNA or protein sequences, and morphological characteristics.

Question 6

Describe one limitation of maximum parsimony.

Answer 6

One limitation is that it may oversimplify complex evolutionary histories, potentially leading to incorrect phylogenetic conclusions.

Question 7

True or False: Maximum parsimony can only be applied to molecular data.

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What is the goal when applying maximum parsimony in phylogenetic analysis?

Answer 8

To reconstruct the most likely evolutionary relationships among species based on shared characteristics.

Question 9

Multiple choice: What does maximum parsimony minimize? A) Genetic diversity B) Time of divergence C) Number of character changes

Answer 9

C) Number of character changes

Question 10

In maximum parsimony, how is a tree evaluated?

Answer 10

A tree is evaluated based on the total number of character changes it requires, with fewer changes being preferred.