A taxonomist groups dolphins (mammals), ichthyosaurs (extinct reptiles), and sharks (fish) together in a taxon of 'streamlined marine predators' based on their body shape, flippers, and aquatic habitat.
Which statement correctly evaluates this classification method?
It is a phylogenetic classification because body streamlining and flippers are homologous characteristics inherited from a recent common ancestor.
It is an artificial classification because it groups organisms by analogous characteristics that arose via convergent evolution, rather than their evolutionary relationships.
It is a natural classification because it relies on a large number of shared biochemical and physiological traits to establish evolutionary links.
It is an artificial classification because it uses cladistic analysis of DNA base sequences to identify monophyletic groups.