A zoology student builds a phylogenetic tree and wants evidence that two groups share a recent ancestor. The best answer is:

Correct Answer: C

shared derived characters

Phylogenetic relationships are best inferred from shared derived characters, also called synapomorphies. These traits appear in a common ancestor and are inherited by its descendants, so they are more useful than superficial similarities such as size, colour, or habitat. This MCQ belongs to the Taxonomy topic in Animal Diversity-I and is written to test concept understanding rather than memorized wording.