Question

Although attempts to date the divergence between humans and chimpanzees using molecular sequence data do not perfectly agree, a rough consensus from multiple analyses would place the divergence date at ________.

1) 175,000 years ago

2) 6,000 years ago

3) 5 to 7 million years ago

4) 3.14 million years ago

5) 65 million years ago

Answer 1

Divergence between humans and chimpanzees based on molecular sequence data and fossil evidence is roughly placed at 5 to 7 million years ago.

Step-by-step explanation:

The rough consensus from multiple analyses places the divergence date between humans and chimpanzees at around 5 to 7 million years ago. This estimation is supported by fossil evidence such as the discovery of Sahelanthropus tchadensis, a fossil ape that lived approximately 7 million years ago, near the time of the expected divergence. Moreover, molecular sequence data from genetic studies also support this timeframe, suggesting divergence through mutations in mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome.