Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumEvidence for Evolution: Comparative Biochemistry and Biogeography

Comparative biochemical analysis shows that organisms with a more recent common evolutionary ancestor possess a higher degree of similarity in the amino acid sequences of conserved proteins like Cytochrome c, irrespective of their modern geographic locations.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is TRUE.
The statement accurately reflects the principles of comparative biochemistry: the degree of amino acid sequence similarity in universally conserved proteins directly indicates how recently two species shared a common ancestor, regardless of where those species are located today.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the biological role of conserved proteins in comparative biochemistry.
Proteins such as Cytochrome c perform essential respiratory functions across diverse taxa, making them reliable indicators of phylogenetic ancestry.
Because these proteins exist across virtually all eukaryotic life, their sequences can be directly compared to gauge evolutionary relationships.
2
Relate sequence divergence to time since common ancestry.
Fewer amino acid differences correspond to a shorter time elapsed since divergence from a shared ancestor.
Genetic mutations alter protein sequences incrementally over time, acting as a molecular clock.
3
Assess the effect of geography on biochemical sequence similarity.
Molecular similarity reflects evolutionary lineage rather than geographic proximity or ecological habitat.
While geography influences speciation and external adaptation, primary biochemical sequences strictly track ancestral genetic inheritance.

Key Concept

Comparative Biochemistry and Molecular Homology
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Evidence for Evolution: Comparative Biochemistry and Biogeography

More questions from this topic