What is a fundamental assumption that must be made when you use similar characteristics to indicate phylogenetic relationships?

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∻Answer∻ ⚹ A fundamental assumption made when using similar characteristics to indicate phylogenetic relationships is that the characteristics are derived from a common ancestor. ⚹ ∻Solution∻ ‖ a ⋮ Homology: The similar characteristics used to infer phylogenetic relationships should be homologous, meaning they are derived from the same ancestral trait. ‖ ‖ b ⋮ Common Ancestry: The assumption is that species with similar characteristics share a more recent common ancestor than species with more different characteristics. ‖ ‖ c ⋮ Evolutionary Convergence: It must be assumed that the characteristics are not the result of convergent evolution, where similar traits evolve independently in unrelated lineages due to similar selective pressures. ‖ ∻Key Concept∻ ⚹ Homology ⚹ ∻Explanation∻ ⚹ Homologous characteristics are those that are inherited from a common ancestor, which is a fundamental assumption in determining phylogenetic relationships. ⚹◊What is the significance of shared derived characteristics in determining phylogenetic relationships?⍭ Generate me a similar question◊

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