Final answer:
DNA is useful in tracing evolutionary changes because it provides valuable insights into species relationships and evolutionary history. It can compare DNA sequences across different organisms to determine relatedness and divergence. DNA can also be used to study extinct species and trace maternal lineages.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA is useful in tracing evolutionary changes because it provides valuable insights into the relationships among species and how evolution occurs. By comparing the DNA sequences of different organisms, scientists can determine the degree of similarity or difference, and infer the level of relatedness. For example, DNA analysis can reveal the common ancestry between humans and other primates, or the evolutionary divergence between species.
Additionally, DNA can be retrieved from fossil remains to study extinct species and explore their evolutionary connections with extant species. This helps researchers to reconstruct genetic phylogenies and understand the timing and patterns of species diversification. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA, which is passed from mother to offspring, can be used to trace genealogy and maternal lineages.