Question

How do molecular techniques (DNA sequencing) support and sometimes revise traditional classification systems based on physical characteristics?
Question 15 options:

DNA provides evolutionary relationships that may not match physical similarities

Molecular techniques are less reliable than traditional morphological classification

DNA evidence always confirms relationships suggested by physical appearance

DNA sequencing only works for recently evolved species with modern characteristics

Answer 1

Correct answer: DNA provides evolutionary relationships that may not match physical similarities.

Explanation: DNA sequencing reveals genetic relatedness and evolutionary history, which can confirm or overturn classifications based on morphology (for example, revealing convergent evolution or cryptic species). The other statements are incorrect: molecular data are not inherently less reliable than morphology, they do not always confirm appearance-based groupings, and sequencing can be informative across wide evolutionary timescales (though very ancient or degraded DNA can be harder to retrieve).