Question

Fossil evidence suggests that whales evolved from land mammals. Using comparative DNA techniques, scientists have also suggested that whales are related to hippos.

Which statement best explains why comparing amino acid sequences supports the theory of evolution?

Responses

Comparing amino acid sequences can show close genetic relationships between organisms that may appear very different, such as whales and hippos.

Comparing amino acid sequences can show close genetic relationships between organisms that may appear very different, such as whales and hippos.

By comparing amino acid sequences, scientists were able to prove that ancient whales had the same DNA base pairs as ancient hippos.

By comparing amino acid sequences, scientists were able to prove that ancient whales had the same uppercase D N A base pairs as ancient hippos.

By comparing amino acid sequences, scientists were able to prove that whales evolved from hippopotamus ancestors.
By comparing amino acid sequences, scientists were able to prove that whales evolved from hippopotamus ancestors.

Comparing amino acid sequences showed that stabilizing selection took place in a population of hippos, resulting in the formation of a new species of whale.
Comparing amino acid sequences showed that stabilizing selection took place in a population of hippos, resulting in the formation of a new species of whale.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
The statement that best explains why comparing amino acid sequences supports the theory of evolution is:

**"Comparing amino acid sequences can show close genetic relationships between organisms that may appear very different, such as whales and hippos."**

This response highlights how molecular evidence can reveal evolutionary connections between species that might not seem related based on their physical appearance alone, which is a key aspect of understanding evolutionary relationships.

Related Questions