15. Where in a phylogenetic tree would you expect to find the organism that had evolved most recently? a. at the base b. within the branches c. at the nodes d. at the branch tips _ Previous

The correct answer is: **d. at the branch tips** ### Explanation: In a phylogenetic tree, **branch tips** (also known as **terminal branches**) represent the existing species or the most recently evolved lineages. Here's a brief overview of the components of a phylogenetic tree to clarify: - **Base**: This is the root of the tree and represents the common ancestor from which all the organisms in the tree have descended. - **Nodes**: These points on the tree indicate common ancestors from which two or more lineages have diverged. - **Branches**: These lines connect nodes and show the evolutionary path from one ancestor to another. - **Branch Tips**: Located at the ends of the branches, these represent the current species or the most recently evolved organisms in the tree. Therefore, the organism that has evolved most recently would be found at the **tips of the branches**.