Four Different Phylogenetic Trees of a Group of Salamanders Have

Multiple Choice

Four different phylogenetic trees of a group of salamanders have been proposed. Trees A and B each require 12 homoplasies, but Tree A requires 14 synapomorphies and Tree B requires 13 synapomorphies. Tree C requires 15 homoplasies and 13 synapomorphies. Finally, Tree D requires 10 homoplasies and 15 synamorphies. According to the principle of parsimony, which tree or trees is the best?

A) Tree A
B) Tree B
C) Tree C
D) Tree D
E) Both Tree A and Tree B