Ungulates are a group of hoofed mammals that includes pigs, elk, cows, hippos, extinct species like Elomeryx and Archaeotherium, and rhinos and horses. This diverse group is considered monophyletic because all its members share the synapomorphic trait of hooves and a most recent common ancestor, as shown in an evolutionary tree where an outgroup stems from the base, demonstrating the group's distinct shared ancestry.
Many biologists will talk about the group known as Ungulates, or hoo.pdf
1. Many biologists will talk about the group known as Ungulates, or hoofed mammals. This group
includes species as diverse as pigs (Sus), elk (Cervus), cows (Bos), hippos (Hippopotamus),
extinct species (e.g., Elomeryx and Archaeotherium), and even rhinos and horses (Equus). Based
upon the tree above and assuming this tree is correct, is this group (Ungulates) monophyletic?A.
Yes, because all of these species share the synapomorphy of hooves
Solution
b. Yes, because all of these species share a most recent common ancestor
All the members of the group of interest are more closely related to each other than they are to
the outgroup. Hence, the outgroup stems from the base of the tree. An outgroup can give you a
sense of where on the bigger tree of life the main group of organisms falls. It is also useful when
constructing evolutionary trees.