Which of These Can Be Properly Inferred from the Phylogeny

Question

Which of these can be properly inferred from the phylogeny in Figure 26.5?
A) Chimps and humans evolved from gorillas.
B) The lesser apes are genetically more distinct from each other than the members of the great apes are from each other.
C) Orangutans have existed for about 14 million years.
D) Chimps and humans should share more homoplasies than should chimps and gorillas.
E) Together, the lesser apes and great apes form a clade.

Accepted Answer

The phylogeny in Figure 26.5 suggests that the lesser apes (gibbons and siamangs) and great apes (orangutan, gorillas, chimpanzees, and humans) are more closely related to each other than to any other groups of primates, forming a clade. This is supported by the fact that they share a common ancestor, and their branches are more closely related to each other than to any other branch. However, the tree does not support the other options listed.