Question

The maximum parsimony method is used to construct a phylogenetic tree for a set of sequences. Which one of the following statements about the method is CORRECT?

• A. It predicts the tree that minimizes the steps required to generate the observed variations
• B. It predicts the tree that maximizes the steps required to generate the observed variations
• C. It predicts the tree with the least number of branch points
• D. It employs probability calculations to identify the tree

Hint:

Maximum parsimony selects the evolutionary tree requiring the fewest mutations—think of it as choosing the simplest explanation for the observed variations.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The maximum parsimony method is a phylogenetic approach based on the principle that the simplest evolutionary pathway is the most likely. It aims to identify the phylogenetic tree that requires the minimum number of evolutionary changes.
Option (A) is correct because maximum parsimony specifically attempts to minimize the total number of substitutions needed to explain the observed sequence variations. This follows the idea of preferring the simplest explanation for evolutionary relationships.
Option (B) is incorrect because maximizing steps contradicts the purpose of parsimony.
Option (C) is incorrect because parsimony minimizes \emph{mutational changes}, not the number of branching points.
Option (D) is incorrect because probability-based evaluations belong to maximum likelihood or Bayesian methods, not parsimony.