Answer: b. determine the evolutionary relationships among species.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phylogenetics is the branch of science which deals with the determination of evolutionary relationship among the organisms. This branch of study derives relationship on the basis of similarities between the ancestors and their descendants. A phylogenetic tree can be constructed on the basis of such similarities.
Scientists try to find the similarities and differences among the organisms which used to exist in the past with the present species. This is based upon evidences that are obtained from the fossils, morphology or physical structures, type of genetic material present (DNA or RNA), protein composition an features of early development.