Which of the following nested monophyletic groups are correctly organized from largest (most inclusive) to smallest (least inclusive), showing your place in the tree of life?

a. Deuterostomes>Chordates>Vertebrates>Mammals

b. Animals>Mammals>Vertebrates>Primates

c. Chordates>Primates>Mammals>Hominins

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the meaning of 'monophyletic group': A monophyletic group, or clade, is a group of organisms that consists of all the descendants of a common ancestor.
2. Understand the hierarchy of biological classification: The hierarchy typically follows this pattern from largest to smallest: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.
3. Analyze each option to determine if the groups are listed from most inclusive (largest) to least inclusive (smallest) based on the known biological classification hierarchy.
4. Option a: Deuterostomes > Chordates > Vertebrates > Mammals. Here, Deuterostomes is a superphylum that includes several phyla including Chordata. Chordates include all vertebrates and some other closely related invertebrates. Vertebrates are a subphylum of chordates, and mammals are a class within the vertebrates.
5. Option b: Animals > Mammals > Vertebrates > Primates. This sequence is incorrect because Primates are a part of the class Mammalia, and thus should not be placed after Vertebrates. Mammals are a class within the subphylum Vertebrates.
6. Option c: Chordates > Primates > Mammals > Hominins. This sequence is incorrect because Primates are an order within the class Mammalia, and Hominins are a tribe within the family Hominidae of the order Primates. Thus, the order should be Chordates > Mammals > Primates > Hominins.