What taxonomic issue arises when defining the group solely as 'wasps' (Apocrita excluding ants and bees)?
Answer
The group is considered paraphyletic
The term 'wasp,' when strictly defined as the narrow-waisted suborder Apocrita excluding ants (Formicidae) and bees (Anthophila), is considered paraphyletic. This classification arises because the common ancestor shared by wasps, ants, and bees also gave rise exclusively to the ants and bees, which are taxonomically excluded from the 'wasp' group. Therefore, following the lineage backward reveals a common ancestor whose descendants include groups outside the defined 'wasp' category, meaning the group does not form a single, neat evolutionary branch or clade.
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