Question

Scientists have found that American vultures and African vultures, which were once thought to belong to the falcon family, are not so closely related. In fact, scientists now know that American vultures are more closely related to storks than African vultures. What most likely gave scientists the strongest evidence to come to this conclusion? a similar fight styles b similar behavior c similar food sources d similar DNA

Answer 1

The strongest evidence that would likely lead scientists to conclude that American vultures are more closely related to storks than African vultures is "d) similar DNA." Genetic analysis provides more definitive insights into relationships between species compared to behavioral or ecological similarities. DNA sequencing can reveal the evolutionary history and genetic relatedness of different animals, which is crucial for classifying them accurately in the tree of life.