Question

A group of scientists determines that a mitochondrial DNA sequence shared by two species has a constant mutation rate. The sequences of mitochondrial DNA for the two species are shown below.Species A: GACTGGGCATTASpecies B: GACCGGACATGAUsing the principles of molecular clocks and a known mutation rate for this sequence, the scientists determine that these species diverged from a common ancestor 30 million years ago. Based on this information, how much longer do you predict it would take these species to differ by a total of seven base pairs?A. 60 million yearsB. 20 million yearsC. 140 million yearsD. 40 million years

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 40 million years

Explanation:

from the sequence, there is a difference in three base pairs and this took 30 million years. it can thus be concluded that it took 10 million years for a difference in a base.

thus, to make it up to 7 base pairs will require another mutation of 4 base pairs. this will take 40 million years.

Answer 2

Answer:

D) 40 Million years

Explanation:

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