Gorillas’ bodies have hair, and their closest living relatives also have hair on their bodies. What type of characteristic is this?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks us to classify a trait based on its distribution among gorillas and their closest living relatives.
Option a. New: This would imply the trait is a recent development in a lineage and not inherited from common ancestors. Since hair on bodies is also present in the closest living relatives, a new trait here would not fit.
Option b. Derived: A derived trait (apomorphy) is one that evolved from an ancestral state within a particular lineage. Hair being common to gorillas and their relatives suggests the trait is not a new state for this group, but rather an older state shared with relatives, so this is unlikely.
Option c. Ancestral: An ancestral (plesiomorphic) trait is one that existed in the common ancestor of a group and is retained by its descendants. Because both gorillas and their close relatives have body hair, the trait is consistent with an ancestral characteristic that was present in their last common ancestor.
Option d. Deviant: This would describe a trait that deviates or is unusual within a lineage, which does not apply here since hair is widespread among these related taxa, not a deviation.
Option e. Synapomorphy: A synapomorphy is a shared derived trait that defines a particular clade. Hair in gorillas and their closest relatives is not a newly derived feature unique to a subclade, but rather a trait shared broadly, so it does not fit the concept of a synapomorphy in this context.
Overall, the most accurate classification for a trait shared by gorillas and their closest living relatives and present in their common ancestor is an ancestral trait.

BIO 181 (001&002) FALL 2025 FA25: Exam 3: Phylogeny & Biodiversity (Breathe in, breath out)

Gorillas’ bodies have hair, and their closest living relatives also have hair on their bodies. What type of characteristic is this?

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BIO 181 (001&002) FALL 2025 FA25: Exam 3: Phylogeny & Biodiversity (Breathe in, breath out)

Gorillas’ bodies have hair, and their closest living relatives also have hair on their bodies. What type of characteristic is this?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

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Use a specific one-word answer to receive credit.Ideally, when making phylogenetic trees, the taxa in the tree should be ___ .Please double check your spelling to make sure the word is spelled correctly. Thank you!

Which part of the phylogenetic tree is the red arrow pointing to? Click Here if you are unable to see the image (opens in new window)

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