Genetic and molecular data support evolution by showing...

Genetic and molecular data support evolution by showing...

• A. Shared core genetic code and sequence similarities among diverse species
• B. Nonexistent genetic relationships among organisms
• C. No variation in populations
• D. Organisms do not share any homologous genes

Answer: (B)

Genetic and molecular data provide evidence for evolution by showing that all living things share a nearly universal genetic code and have many DNA and protein sequences that are similar across diverse species. This pattern points to common ancestry because related organisms retain core genes and molecular functions over time, even as other parts of their genomes diverge. When scientists compare genes that are essential and conserved, they find high sequence similarity among related groups and a clear gradation of similarity that matches evolutionary relationships. Over generations, random mutations accumulate, leading to differences between species while preserving the fundamental, shared machinery. This molecular fingerprint—conserved genes, homologous sequences, and a universal code—contradicts the idea of no genetic relationships or no variation and aligns with a branching tree of life.

Genetic and molecular data provide evidence for evolution by showing that all living things share a nearly universal genetic code and have many DNA and protein sequences that are similar across diverse species. This pattern points to common ancestry because related organisms retain core genes and molecular functions over time, even as other parts of their genomes diverge. When scientists compare genes that are essential and conserved, they find high sequence similarity among related groups and a clear gradation of similarity that matches evolutionary relationships. Over generations, random mutations accumulate, leading to differences between species while preserving the fundamental, shared machinery. This molecular fingerprint—conserved genes, homologous sequences, and a universal code—contradicts the idea of no genetic relationships or no variation and aligns with a branching tree of life.