instructions\nstudy the diagram below to answer the questions on the right.\ncladograms\n7 multiple choice 2…

instructions\nstudy the diagram below to answer the questions on the right.\ncladograms\n7 multiple choice 2 points\nthe two extant species that are most closely related to each other are\na and b.\ne and a.\nc and d.\nb and c.\nd and e.

instructions\nstudy the diagram below to answer the questions on the right.\ncladograms\n7 multiple choice 2 points\nthe two extant species that are most closely related to each other are\na and b.\ne and a.\nc and d.\nb and c.\nd and e.

Answer

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the most recent common ancestor

In a cladogram, the closeness of the relationship between two species is determined by how recently they shared a common ancestor. This is represented by the branching points (nodes) on the diagram.

Step2: Compare the nodes for each pair

Node 1 represents the common ancestor of species C and D. Node 2 represents the common ancestor of species B and the group (C, D). Node 3 represents the common ancestor of A and the group (B, C, D). Node 4 represents the common ancestor of all species (A, B, C, D, E).

Step3: Determine the most recent node

The node closest to the "Present" time line indicates the most recent divergence. Node 1 is the highest node on the vertical time axis, meaning species C and D shared a common ancestor more recently than any other pair in the diagram.

Answer:

C and D.