Question

Question 1 Gradual genetic development is often represented as a tree similar to the one shown in the diagram. This diagram suggests that a biochemical differences show that no two organisms could ever have had a common ancestor. b different groups of organisms may have similar characteristics because of common ancestry. c only the most well-adapted organisms will survive. d speciation is a predictable event that happens every few years.

Answer 1

The correct interpretation of the diagram you mentioned, which represents gradual genetic development as a tree, is **b**: "different groups of organisms may have similar characteristics because of common ancestry."

This is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, reflecting the idea that species that share a common ancestor can exhibit similarities due to their shared lineage, even if they have evolved into different forms over time. The branching pattern of the tree illustrates how various species have diverged from common ancestors through the process of evolution.