24. 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
B?

-MC

That is the best answer.

ali, baloney. Binomial nomenclature is not a characteristic.

To determine the correct answer to this multiple-choice question, we will break down each option and explain their relevance to the characteristics that biologists use to classify organisms.

a. Convergent evolution: Convergent evolution refers to the process where unrelated organisms develop similar features or traits due to similar environmental pressures. While this is a valid concept, it is not one of the primary characteristics used by biologists to classify organisms.

Cladogram: A cladogram is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between different groups of organisms. It is a helpful tool in understanding the relatedness between organisms and can assist in classification. However, while a cladogram is a valuable resource, it is not a characteristic in itself used for classification.

Reproductive isolation: Reproductive isolation is a key characteristic used by biologists to classify organisms. It refers to the inability of different populations to interbreed successfully and produce fertile offspring. This is significant because it helps define distinct species.

b. Reproductive isolation: As stated above, reproductive isolation is an important characteristic used for classification.

Evolutionary history: The evolutionary history, also known as phylogeny, plays a crucial role in classification. It involves examining the ancestral relationships between different organisms and determining their evolutionary lineage.

Shared derived characteristics: Shared derived characteristics, also known as synapomorphies, are traits shared by a group of organisms that originated in their common ancestor. These traits can help determine their evolutionary relationships and assist in classification.

c. Binomial nomenclature: Binomial nomenclature is a system of naming organisms using two words: the genus and species names. While it is an essential aspect of taxonomic naming, it is not a characteristic used for classification.

Shared derived characteristics: Once again, shared derived characteristics are a crucial characteristic used for classification.

Evolutionary systematics: Evolutionary systematics is an approach to classification that focuses on both the shared characteristics and the evolutionary history of organisms. It involves creating phylogenetic trees and is a valuable tool in determining relationships and classifying organisms.

d. Derived cladistics: Derived cladistics is not a widely recognized term or concept within biology. Cladistics, as explained earlier, is a method used in creating cladograms, but the term "derived cladistics" does not have a widely accepted meaning.

Evolutionary history: As mentioned before, the evolutionary history is an essential characteristic used by biologists to classify organisms.

Convergent evolution: While this concept was discussed in option a, it is not one of the primary characteristics used for classification.

Based on the explanations provided, the correct answer to the question is:
b. reproductive isolation, evolutionary history, shared derived characteristics.