How can DNA sequence data be used to show evolutionary relationships between species?
DNA sequence data can be compared between species.
Species that are more closely related (have a more recent common ancestor) will have more similar DNA sequences, while those that are distantly related will have fewer similarities.
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What are polygenic characteristics?
Polygenic characteristics are traits, such as height, that are influenced by multiple genes. They often show continuous variation.
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Why can't we rely on just observable characteristics to measure genetic diversity?
We can't rely on just observable characteristics to measure genetic diversity because observable characteristics can be influenced by the environment and many are polygenic.
This makes it hard to distinguish genetic differences.
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How has DNA sequencing improved our understanding of genetic diversity?
DNA sequencing allows direct observation of DNA base sequences, providing a more accurate measure of genetic diversity.
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How is mRNA used to measure genetic diversity?
By comparing the base sequences of mRNA, which are complementary to DNA, we can assess DNA diversity.
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What does comparing amino acid sequences in proteins tell us?
Comparing amino acid sequences reveals genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships, as amino acid sequences are determined by mRNA and DNA.
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Why might two species have similar amino acid sequences?
If they are closely related evolutionarily, two species have fewer differences in their proteins' amino acid sequences.
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