Comparable segments of the mitochondrial DNA sequences of two similar species are shown below. This segment of DNA mutates at a rate of two base pair per 330,000. years. The DNA sequences for Species A is CTGTCCGAAG and Species B is CTGTCCGTCG. How many years ago did these species diverge from a common ancestor? 660,000 years ago
33 years ago
330,000 years ago
6,000 years ago

Respuesta :

The homo-logous mitochondrial sequences CTGTCCGAAG and CTGTCCGTCG suggest that species diverge from a common ancestor 660,000 years ago.

What is the mutation rate?

The mutation rate indicates the number of nucleotide differences between two homo-logous sequences that emerged in evolution in a given period of time.

In this case, the mutation rate is one nucleotide per 330,000 years and here we have two mutations (CTGTCCGAAG and CTGTCCGTCG), thereby it is expected that the sequences diverged 660,000 years ago.

In conclusion, the homo-logous mitochondrial sequences CTGTCCGAAG and CTGTCCGTCG suggest that species diverge from a common ancestor 660,000 years ago.

Learn more about mutation rate here:

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