Characteristics that biologists use to classify organisms are

a. convergent evolution, cladogram, reproductive isolation.
b. reproductive isolation, evolutionary history, shared derived characteristics.
c. binomial nomenclature, shared derived characteristics, evolutionary systematics.
d. derived cladistics, evolutionary history, convergent evolution.

I'm torn between C and B

See your later post.

To determine the correct answer, let's break down the options and understand the concepts involved.

a. Convergent evolution: This refers to the independent evolution of similar traits in unrelated organisms. While this concept is relevant in understanding the diversity of life, it is not specifically used for classifying organisms.

b. Reproductive isolation: This is a key characteristic used by biologists to classify organisms. It refers to the inability of certain individuals or groups within a species to interbreed with others. This concept helps define different species and is crucial in the process of classification.

Evolutionary history: Also known as phylogeny, this concept involves studying the ancestral relationships among organisms based on their evolutionary descent. It helps scientists determine how different species are related to each other over time.

Shared derived characteristics: These are traits that are shared by a group of organisms and are inherited from their common ancestor. They provide insights into the evolutionary relationships between different groups of organisms and are essential in classifying organisms.

c. Binomial nomenclature: This refers to the two-part scientific naming system established by Carl Linnaeus, which is commonly used for classifying organisms. While binomial nomenclature is an important tool in taxonomy, it is not solely a characteristic used for classification.

Evolutionary systematics: This term refers to the branch of biology that studies evolutionary relationships and uses various data to classify organisms based on their shared characteristics and evolutionary history. It aligns with the process of classification.

d. Derived cladistics: Cladistics is a method used to determine evolutionary relationships among organisms based on the shared derived characteristics. Derived cladistics, as mentioned in option D, is not a commonly used term or concept in biology.

After considering the explanations, option b is the most appropriate answer. It includes reproductive isolation, evolutionary history, and shared derived characteristics, all of which are key characteristics that biologists use to classify organisms.