Which of the following would be the least useful in determining the relationships among various species?

• A. A comparison of DNA base sequences
• B. Homologous structures
• C. Fossils
• D. Amino acid sequences of proteins
• E. Analogous structures

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of homologous and analogous structures. Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that have a similar origin but may serve different functions, indicating a common ancestry. Analogous structures, on the other hand, are features that serve similar functions in different species but do not have a common evolutionary origin.
2. Recognize that DNA base sequences provide genetic information that can be compared across species to determine evolutionary relationships. This is because DNA carries the hereditary information that is passed down through generations.
3. Consider that amino acid sequences of proteins are determined by DNA sequences. Therefore, comparing these sequences can also provide insights into the evolutionary relationships among species.
4. Understand that fossils provide historical records of past life forms and can show how species have changed over time, offering clues about evolutionary relationships.
5. Identify that analogous structures are not useful for determining evolutionary relationships because they result from convergent evolution, where different species independently evolve similar traits, not from a shared ancestry.