Answer: a. In the steps necessary to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree, the optimality criterion must be applied first in order to provide valid input data for the clustering algorithm
Explanation:
Phylogenetic relationships relate the modern day organisms with that of primitive organisms. The relationship is determined on the basis of morphology, physiology, and genetic relationships.
Clustering algorithm can be used for giving the output data. The algorithm based method can be used for the purpose of generation of the phylogenetic tree by applying a method. It is used for comparing the alternative phylogenies to the reference and identifying which is more better.