Final answer:
The alpha and beta globin genes share a common ancestry, evidenced by their evolutionary history and the universal genetic code which underlines the common origin of life on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the evolutionary history of globin genes, the statement that the alpha and beta globin genes have a common ancestry is true. Globin genes, which include alpha, beta, gamma, and other variants, are responsible for the production of different globin proteins that bind to heme to form functional hemoglobin. These different globin genes evolved from a common ancestral gene, diversifying through the process of gene duplication and subsequent mutation over evolutionary time.
It's also notable that the conservation of the genetic code across species indicates that if mRNA encoding the globin protein from one species were transferred to a different species, the recipient would produce the donor species' globin. This universal genetic code is strong evidence of a common origin of life on Earth, underpinning the shared evolutionary heritage of the globin genes.