The Question is from neet-botany biodiversity , and it was created by the author NISHANTH

Question

Polyphyletic groups are problematic in taxonomy because they:

NISHANTH · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Phylogenetic classification
 **Related Topics**: Monophyletic, paraphyletic, polyphyletic groups; taxonomy; evolutionary relationships
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding of evolutionary trees and common ancestry.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the problems associated with polyphyletic groups in taxonomy.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Define different types of phylogenetic groups:
  Reasoning: Understanding the characteristics of each group is crucial to answering the question.
  Monophyletic groups include a common ancestor and all its descendants. Paraphyletic groups include a common ancestor but not all its descendants. Polyphyletic groups do not include the most recent common ancestor of all members.
 2. Analyze the problems caused by polyphyletic groups:
  Working: Polyphyletic groups are problematic because they group organisms based on convergent evolution or shared characteristics that don't reflect their true evolutionary relationships.  This leads to artificial groupings that don't accurately represent evolutionary history.
  Key Point:  The lack of a common ancestor makes it difficult to understand the evolutionary history and relationships within a polyphyletic group.
 3. Select the correct option:
  Result: Option C accurately describes the problem with polyphyletic groups – they do not include the most recent common ancestor of all members.
  Verification: Options A and B describe monophyletic groups. Option D is incorrect because polyphyletic groups do not represent a single evolutionary lineage.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Includes all descendants of a common ancestor. (This describes a monophyletic group)
B :x: Include the most recent common ancestor and all its descendants. (This describes a monophyletic group)
C ✓: Do not include the most recent common ancestor of all members. (This accurately defines a polyphyletic group and its problematic nature)
D :x: Represent a single evolutionary lineage. (This is incorrect; polyphyletic groups represent multiple lineages)
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing polyphyletic with monophyletic or paraphyletic groups: Carefully review the definitions of each group to avoid this error.
  2.Focusing on shared characteristics rather than evolutionary history: Remember that taxonomic classifications should reflect evolutionary relationships, not just superficial similarities.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Use a mnemonic device to remember the types of phylogenetic groups (e.g.,  Mono = one ancestor and all descendants; Para = some descendants missing; Poly = many ancestors).
  2.Draw phylogenetic trees to visualize the relationships between different groups.

NISHANTH · Answer

Include all descendants of a common ancestor.

NISHANTH · Answer

Include the most recent common ancestor and all its descendants.

NISHANTH · Answer

The correct Option is "Do not include the most recent common ancestor of all members."

NISHANTH · Answer

Represent a single evolutionary lineage.

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