Question

Difficulty: MediumEvidence for Evolution: Comparative Biochemistry and Biogeography

The occurrence of identical genetic code structures and highly conserved metabolic enzymes in geographically isolated species across different continents indicates that these organisms descended from a common ancestor rather than evolving independently.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is True. Comparative biochemistry shows that fundamental molecular features (such as the universal genetic code and conserved enzymes) are shared among geographically isolated organisms, directly supporting common descent.
The statement is correct because comparative biochemistry demonstrates that universal genetic and metabolic machinery across geographically separated species points to a single, shared evolutionary origin.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate the biochemical evidence mentioned in the statement.
Near-identical DNA/RNA coding systems and conserved enzymes exist across diverse species.
Biochemical homologies demonstrate that all living organisms share fundamental molecular pathways inherited from a common ancestor.
2
Relate comparative biochemistry to biogeography.
Geographic barriers isolate populations after shared molecular traits are already established.
Biogeographical distribution explains how species diverged spatially, while conserved biochemistry confirms their unified origin.

Key Concept

Universal biochemical homologies across geographically separated taxa as evidence for common ancestry.
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