1. Explain why the term synapomorphy is relative (relative to what?). Give an example to illustrate. Why is it said that only synapomorphic traits are phylogenetically informative? Give an example. 2 What are the different reasons why a particular set of traits might not provide accurate phylogenetic information? Give an example using morphological and/or DNA phylogenies (e.g., whale). What types of traits will provide the most accurate phylogenetic information (hint; role of natural selection?). 3. How can examples of organisms and traits that exhibit different combinations of presence and absence of homology and/or analogy be used to indirectly test hypotheses of "descent with modification," natural selection, and convergent evolution. What explains repeated independent evolution of traits (be precise)? 4. How does genetic relatedness in a phylogeny relate to the independent evolution of a trait or protein? For example, if HIV-1 and HIV-2 have both evolved proteins that allow infection of humans, what is the genetic relatedness of HIV-1 to an SIV lineage, relative to the relatedness to HIV-2? Draw a tree that demonstrates your answer. 5. Consider the example of A , S , and C alleles and the evolution of malaria resistance in humans. Explain why evolution is different in Asia and Africa malaria environments in terms of the type of selection and the starting conditions. What can you conclude about the predictability of natural selection?.

1. 1. Explain why the term synapomorphy is relative (relative to what?). Give an example to
illustrate. Why is it said that only synapomorphic traits are phylogenetically informative? Give
an example. 2 What are the different reasons why a particular set of traits might not provide
accurate phylogenetic information? Give an example using morphological and/or DNA
phylogenies (e.g., whale). What types of traits will provide the most accurate phylogenetic
information (hint; role of natural selection?). 3. How can examples of organisms and traits that
exhibit different combinations of presence and absence of homology and/or analogy be used to
indirectly test hypotheses of "descent with modification," natural selection, and convergent
evolution. What explains repeated independent evolution of traits (be precise)? 4. How does
genetic relatedness in a phylogeny relate to the independent evolution of a trait or protein? For
example, if HIV-1 and HIV-2 have both evolved proteins that allow infection of humans, what is
the genetic relatedness of HIV-1 to an SIV lineage, relative to the relatedness to HIV-2? Draw a
tree that demonstrates your answer. 5. Consider the example of A , S , and C alleles and the
evolution of malaria resistance in humans. Explain why evolution is different in Asia and Africa
malaria environments in terms of the type of selection and the starting conditions. What can you
conclude about the predictability of natural selection?