Question

Evolutionary history of an organism is known as
A. Phylogeny
B. Ancestry
C. Paleontology
D. Ontogeny

Answer 1

The change of characteristics of a species along several generations, by natural selection, is called evolution. The characteristics are expressed by the genes which are passed from the parental generation to the offsprings during the process of reproduction.

Complete answer:

Option B: Ancestry is incorrect-
The study of the line of descent of the lineage of an honorable, aristocratic, or noble is known as ancestry.

Option C: Paleontology is incorrect-
The study of historical life on earth based on the fossils found is known as paleontology. Fossils are the dead remains of a single-celled organism, bacteria, fungi, animals, and plants.

Option D: Ontogeny is incorrect-
The development or origination of an organism from its time of fertilization from the egg to an adult is known as Ontogeny. This term is used to define the study of the whole life of an organism.

Option A: Phylogeny is correct-
The study of the relationship between different groups of organisms, and their evolutionary development is known as phylogeny. Phylogeny tries to trace all the evolutionary history of life on earth. Therefore, it can be said that the evolutionary history of an organism is called phylogeny.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Phylogenetic tree is used to express the relationship between the organisms in a form of flow chart. A phylogenetic tree is also termed as an evolutionary tree and is based on the differences and the similarities of the organisms in their genetic and physical characteristics.