Carefully examine the phylogenetic tree for the primates | Homework Helpers

1. Examine the map of the island (attached), with the 4 proposed conservation sites.

a. Does the shape of the proposed conservation area matter? Which area(s) are shaped in a desirable way? Which areas are shaped in a detrimental way? Explain.

b. Does the size of the proposed conservation area matter? Explain.

2. Carefully examine the phylogenetic tree for the primates of Mahandar (attached).

a. What is the number of the node that represents the most recent common ancestor for all of the primates collectively living in each of the four areas.

b. Which forest area displays the least variation in its primates? Explain how you determined this.

c. Which forest area displays the most variation in its primates? Explain how you determined this.

d. If the government of Mahandar is trying to preserve the biodiversity of the primates, do it matter which forest is conserved? Explain your answer.                     

3. Read the descriptions of the 4 proposed conservation areas (attached). Use that information to completely fill out the following chart.

4. Based on all the information you have, which forest area do you think should be conserved? Explain your reasoning.