Question

Which of the following premises forms the basis of the concept of molecular evolution?

a.) Molecules of life all evolved in the same approximate time span.
b.) All genes have the same mutation rate.
c.) Species that have very similar DNA sequences probably share recent ancestors.
d.) Species coevolved similar DNA sequences by chance.

Answer 1

The concept of molecular evolution is based on the premise that species with very similar DNA sequences probably share recent ancestors. Molecular clocks are used to determine relatedness by calculating the number of differences in DNA sequences. This molecular evidence supports the theory of evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of molecular evolution is based on the premise that species that have very similar DNA sequences probably share recent ancestors (option c). This premise forms the basis of molecular clocks, which are used to determine the relatedness of species by calculating the number of differences in their DNA sequences or amino acid sequences.

For example, if two species have fewer differences in their DNA sequences, it suggests that they split from a common ancestor more recently and have had less time to accumulate differences in their genetic material.

By comparing the DNA sequences of different species, scientists can infer the evolutionary relationships and construct the evolutionary history of life on Earth. This molecular evidence provides strong support for the theory of evolution and helps us understand how species have evolved over time.