How are DNA sequences used to deduce evolutionary relationships?

• A. By studying the geographic distribution of species
• B. By observing the behavior of organisms in their natural habitats
• C. By analyzing the physical traits of organisms
• D. By comparing the similarities and differences in DNA sequences among species

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that DNA sequences are composed of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of genetic information. These sequences can be compared across different species to identify similarities and differences.
2. Recognize that evolutionary relationships are inferred by comparing the DNA sequences of different organisms. Species that have more similar DNA sequences are likely to be more closely related in evolutionary terms.
3. Learn about the concept of molecular phylogenetics, which uses DNA sequence data to construct phylogenetic trees. These trees visually represent the evolutionary relationships between species based on genetic similarities and differences.
4. Consider how mutations and genetic variations accumulate over time. These changes can be tracked through DNA sequences, providing insights into how species have diverged from common ancestors.
5. Explore the use of bioinformatics tools and software that allow scientists to align DNA sequences and calculate genetic distances. These tools help in analyzing the evolutionary relationships by quantifying the degree of similarity between sequences.