Question

Based on this phylogenetic tree, which pair of organisms is most closely related?

Responses

Turtles and Snakes
Turtles and Snakes

Snakes and Lizards
Snakes and Lizards

Lizards and Tuataras
Lizards and Tuataras

Tuataras and Crocodiles

Answer 1

To determine which pair of organisms is most closely related based on a phylogenetic tree, you typically look for the organisms that share the most recent common ancestor. However, without the actual phylogenetic tree or additional context provided, it's challenging to give a definitive answer.

In general, if they were included in a typical grouping based on evolutionary relationships, the following relationships can often be observed:

- Turtles and snakes are both reptiles and share a more distant common ancestor compared to other groups.
- Snakes and lizards are both part of the clade Lepidosauria and share a closer common ancestor.
- Lizards and tuataras, while both being reptiles, are more distantly related than snakes and lizards.
- Tuataras and crocodiles are considered to be more distantly related compared to the other pairings.

From this general understanding of reptiles, **Snakes and Lizards** are likely to be the most closely related pair among the options given.