in a cladogram, a branch point represents a(n)____________ and a branch that ens without leading to living species represents___________.
a. common ancestor,;extinction
b.mutation; punctuated equilibrium
c.extinct species: common ancestor
D.common ancestor; speciation
event
D. common ancestor; speciation
D. common ancestor; speciation
Explanation:
In a cladogram, a branch point, also known as a node, represents a common ancestor from which two or more different species have evolved. It indicates the point in evolutionary history where a lineage splits, resulting in the formation of new species. The branch itself represents the lineage or evolutionary path of a particular species.
On the other hand, a branch that ends without leading to living species represents speciation, which is the process by which a new species arises from a common ancestor. Extinction refers to the complete disappearance of a species from the Earth, and it is not represented by a branch that ends.
Therefore, option D, "common ancestor; speciation," correctly describes the representation of a branch point and a branch that ends in a cladogram.