Label the cladogram of terrestrial vertebrates.
Common ancestor of birds, crocodiles, and dinosaurs
Common ancestor of mammals, reptiles, and birds
Taxon that shares more derived characters with snakes and lizards than with mammals
Clade (birds and dinosaurs)
The correct answer and explanation is:
Labeled Cladogram of Terrestrial Vertebrates
Answers to the Cladogram Labels:
- Common ancestor of birds, crocodiles, and dinosaurs: Archosauria
- Common ancestor of mammals, reptiles, and birds: Amniota
- Taxon that shares more derived characters with snakes and lizards than with mammals: Lepidosauria
- Clade (birds and dinosaurs): Avemetatarsalia (or Ornithodira)
Explanation
A cladogram is a diagram that represents evolutionary relationships among different species based on shared common ancestors. In the case of terrestrial vertebrates, several major clades can be identified.
- Archosauria is the group that includes birds, crocodiles, and dinosaurs. It represents a significant evolutionary divergence where crocodilians and birds share a more recent common ancestor than either does with other reptiles. Dinosaurs (including modern birds) evolved from earlier archosaurs, making them a distinct lineage within this clade.
- Amniota is a major evolutionary group that includes all mammals, reptiles, and birds. Amniotes evolved from early tetrapods and are characterized by having an amniotic egg, which allows them to reproduce on land. This adaptation enabled their ancestors to fully transition to terrestrial life, distinguishing them from amphibians, which require water for reproduction.
- Lepidosauria is the clade that includes snakes, lizards, and tuataras. This group is more closely related to other reptiles than to mammals. Lepidosaurians share characteristics such as overlapping scales and specific skeletal features. They are part of the larger group Diapsida, which also includes archosaurs.
- Avemetatarsalia (or Ornithodira) is the clade that includes birds and dinosaurs. This group is defined by characteristics like bipedal locomotion, modified ankle joints, and other skeletal adaptations that allowed for efficient movement. Birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs, which are a subset of Avemetatarsalia.
This cladogram highlights evolutionary relationships and provides a visual representation of how these groups are connected through common ancestors. Below is an illustration of the cladogram.
Now, I will generate the cladogram image.
Here is the labeled cladogram of terrestrial vertebrates. Let me know if you need any modifications or additional explanations!
