Question

Does the DNA support the hypothesis that the coelacanth is the closest living relative to amphibians, such as frogs?

Answer 1

No, it doesn't support

Step-by-step explanation:

The DNA based alternative hypothesis shows that the lung fish is actually the closest relative to amphibians rather than the coelacanth.

Answer 2

According to biologists the coelacanth is NOT the closest living relative to amphibians,

Step-by-step explanation:

In this modern era of molecular biology there is evidence that the coelacanth and tetrapods are not closely related. While in the other hand, evidences indicated a close relationship between lungfishes and tetrapods. The molecular analysis was based on mitochondrial DNA sequences. I have attached picture of evolutionary relationship.

FIG. 1. Alternative hypotheses of sister group relationships between sarcopterygii and tetrapods.

(A) Lungfish as the sister group of

tetrapods.

(B) Coelacanth as the closest living relative of tetrapods.

(C) Coelacanth and lungfish equally closely related as sister groups of tetrapods.

Reference: Zardoya, R., & Meyer, A. (1996). Evolutionary relationships of the coelacanth, lungfishes, and tetrapods based on the 28S ribosomal RNA gene. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 93(11), 5449-5454.