A character matrix records presence (1) or absence (0) of derived characters in four taxa.
Using a parsimony approach with lamprey as outgroup, which character supports the most inclusive clade (most taxa)?
- Acheck_circle
Jaws (shared by shark, frog, mouse)
- B
Hair (mouse only)
- C
Amnion (mouse only)
- D
Lungs (frog and mouse)
Explanation
Jaws is present in 3 of 4 taxa (shark, frog, mouse) and absent in the outgroup. As a synapomorphy it defines the largest clade (Gnathostomes). The other derived traits unite smaller groups.