Question

Which type of evidence is least likely to result in changes to a phylogenetic tree?
DNA sequencing
fossil record
discovery of new species
physical characteristics

Answer 1

The type of evidence least likely to result in changes to a phylogenetic tree is typically considered to be the **fossil record**. While the fossil record is valuable for understanding the history of life and can provide insights into evolutionary relationships, it is often incomplete and can be subject to interpretation biases. In contrast, DNA sequencing can provide more precise genetic relationships, the discovery of new species can lead to revisions of existing relationships, and physical characteristics can offer supporting evidence for existing hypotheses. Fossils tend to confirm or refine existing hypotheses rather than drastically change well-supported phylogenetic trees.