Study the table, and figure out the order of evolution of each character. You have been given reason to believe that, based on the fossil record, Xenite A is the ancestral species. For the Xenites, consider what paper to be homologies and analogies. Create your cladogram for the Xenites.
Table below:
Xenite A. no spines, no eyestalks, no tail, no mouth
Xenite B. no spines, yes eyestalks, no tail, yes mouth
Xenite C. no spines, yes eyestalks, yes tail, yes mouth
Xenite D. yes spines, yes eyestalks, no tail, no mouth
Xenite E. yes spines, yes eyestalks, no tail, no mouth
Xenite F. yes spines, yes eyestalks, yes tail, yes mouth
Based on the information provided, the order of evolution for the Xenites would be:
Xenite A -> Xenite B -> Xenite D -> Xenite E -> Xenite C -> Xenite F
In this cladogram, Xenite A is the ancestral species, with Xenite B evolving first to develop eyestalks and a mouth. Xenite D then evolves spines. Next, Xenite E loses its mouth, followed by Xenite C developing a tail. Finally, Xenite F evolves to have all the characteristics of spines, eyestalks, tail, and mouth.
Cladogram for Xenites:
Xenite A
|
Xenite B
/ \
Xenite D Xenite E
| |
Xenite C Xenite F