Final answer:
The comparison of DNA sequences helps determine whether the crimson topaz and the fiery topaz are different species by indicating the genetic similarity or difference. With tools like BLAST and databases like GenBank, scientists can map evolutionary relationships and biodiversity between organisms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The comparison of DNA sequences is a powerful method to determine whether two organisms, such as the crimson topaz and the fiery topaz, are different species. By analyzing and comparing their DNA sequences, scientists can determine the degree of genetic similarity or difference. High similarity in DNA sequences usually indicates a close evolutionary relationship, suggesting that the two organisms may still be the same species or closely related species.
Sequence homology can reflect the evolutionary distance and time elapsed since two species diverged from a common ancestor. Sophisticated bioinformatics tools like BLAST can help compare these sequences to calculate the percentage of sequence identity. In the case of species with mere color variations, like different color topazes, the DNA comparison will indicate if the differences are superficial or represent separate evolutionary paths, leading to biodiversity characterized as either genetic variation within a species or distinct species altogether.
Genome mapping tools and databases such as GenBank provide resources for comparing DNA sequences through computational tools. This not only aids in distinguishing species but also in developing hypotheses about common ancestries between various organisms, such as humans, macaques, and mice, and testing about genetic similarities. Hence, by comparing DNA sequences, researchers gain insights into the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary history of organisms.