Each Bifurcation in a Phylogenetic Tree Represents

Question

Each bifurcation in a phylogenetic tree represents
A) a different ancestor.
B) a common ancestor.
C) a common descendent.
D) a different descendent.
E) a mutation

Accepted Answer

A bifurcation, also known as a branching point or node, represents a common ancestor from which two or more lineages diverged. Therefore, the correct choice is B, which corresponds to a common ancestor.