Why do the three species have similarities and differences in their body structures, and how can Xiao use the structures to determine if the new fossil is more closely related to hippopotamus or green iguanas?

Xiao can use these structures to create a similarity matrix that enables to differentiate between synapomorphies and homoplasies .

Explanation:

A synapomorphy is a trait that has been inherited from the same ancestor, this trait enables to establish a relation of homology between two or more species; while a homoplasy is an analog structure that doesn't have homology.

step 1: nitrogen fixation- conversion of atmospheric no₂ into forms useful to plants by lightning, bacteria, and cyanobacteria.

step 2: nitrification-process of converting ammonia to nitrite or nitrate.

step 3: assimilation-plant roots absorb new form of nitrogen.

step 4: ammonification-conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonia by bacteria involved in decomposition.

step 5: denitrification-bacteria turns the decomposed matter back into n₂o, which is released into atmosphere; repeat cycle.

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