Question

Comparisons between the cytochrome b protein sequence in the honeycreeper versus the deer mouse and the

Gough Island finch reveal 18 and 4 amino acid differences, respectively. Therefore,
A. the honeycreeper is more closely related to the deer mouse
B. the honeycreeper and the Gough Island finch are the same species
C. the honeycreeper is more closely related to the Gough Island finch
D. no DNA mutations have occurred during the evolution of the honeycreeper
E. the DNA sequences of all three species are identical"

Answer 1

The honeycreeper is more closely related to the Gough Island finch because it has fewer amino acid differences in the cytochrome b protein sequence compared to the deer mouse, signifying a more recent common ancestor. Therefore correct option is C

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparing the cytochrome b protein sequence between species can reveal their evolutionary relationships. In the case of the honeycreeper, comparative sequence analysis of its cytochrome b protein shows 18 amino acid differences with the deer mouse and just 4 differences with the Gough Island finch. Thus, the honeycreeper is more closely related to the Gough Island finch, because they have fewer differences in their amino acid sequences, indicating a more recent common ancestor.

This method aligns with other comparative studies, such as those between humans and chimpanzees. The protein sequence of cytochrome c is identical between these two species, while there is a single amino acid difference between humans and rhesus monkeys and numerous differences between humans and yeast, showing a gradient of relationships and implying a more distant common ancestor with yeast. The smaller the number of differences in protein sequences, the more closely related the species are assumed to be.

The correct answer to the question is: C. the honeycreeper is more closely related to the Gough Island finch.