Question

A scientist is analyzing tissue samples from an Asian elephant and an extinct woolly mammoth. When he sequences their DNA, he finds the genetic information of these animals to be about 99% identical, but not exactly the same. Can this information be used as evidence for evolution?

A.
No, the DNA sequences of the samples were not exactly the same.
B.
Yes, but only because elephants and mammoths look similar.
C.
No, genetic information is never a source of evidence for evolution.
D.
Yes, genetic information can be a source of evidence for evolution.

Answer 1

The correct option is D) Yes, genetic information can be a source of evidence for evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Evolution can be described as a phenomenon by which species change over time and the production of new species having common ancestors. Organisms which have similar genetic sequences are an example of the fact that they might have a common ancestor in the past. Many scientists conclude different species to have a common ancestor by looking at the genetic similarities between them. Hence, the information can be used as the evidence of evolution.