Which of these organisms are the most closely related remember the name of an organism is in the form Genus species

Missing options:

A) Nerodia spedon and Nerodia fasciata

B) Eudocimus albus and Ardea albus

C) Egretta thula and Platalea ajaja

D) Pituphis melanoleucus and Thamnophis proximus

Answer:

A) Nerodia spedon and Nerodia fasciata

Explanation:

Phylogenetically, the closer relatives share same ancestor and therefore same clad in phylogenetic tree. In the given options, Nerodia spedon and Nerodia fasciata share same genus name so they are closer relatives. If we go further about their characteristics, they are two types of water snakes that are found in north and south America. They both are also non-venomous.

On the other hand, remaining options are not correct because none of the mentioned organisms share same genus name and belong to different positions in the phylogenetic tree.