The Central Definition of a Monophyletic Group Focuses On

Question

The central definition of a monophyletic group focuses on:
A)Do we have evidence of transitional fossils in the geological record?
B)Do we have the majority of species described in each higher taxon?
C)Are all of the species described actually real species?
D)Do all higher taxa contain all known descendants of their single common ancestor?
E)Do all of the taxa fit into the seven ranks of the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy?

Accepted Answer

The central definition of a monophyletic group is that it contains all known descendants of a single common ancestor. Option A is not relevant to the definition of a monophyletic group. Option B is not necessary as it is possible for a monophyletic group to have some species not yet described. Option C is also not relevant as the definition is based on the existence of a common ancestor. Option E is incorrect as the Linnaean taxonomic hierarchy is not central to the concept of monophyly.