CFA - Evolution (Evidences)

Which species shows the highest molecular similarity to humans in both proteins analyzed?

• Gorilla
  

• Chimpanzee
  

• Orangutan
  

• Mouse

Based on the graphs, which claim is best supported by the molecular data?

• All mammals are equally related to humans.
  

• Molecular similarities are not useful in determining evolutionary relationships.
  

• Chimpanzees are more closely related to humans than mice are.
  

• Mice and humans share no common ancestry.

Answer explanation

Chimpanzees show greater similarity in the molecular data, indicating a closer evolutionary relationship, consistent with comparative molecular biology.

Why do molecular similarities between species provide strong evidence for common ancestry?

• All organisms copy each other’s DNA through exposure.
  

• Similarities in DNA and proteins suggest inheritance from a common ancestor.
  

• Proteins like Cytochrome C evolve randomly with no patterns.
  s.

• Environmental factors cause identical genes to appear in different species.

Answer explanation

Shared molecular structures are evidence that species inherited similar genes from a shared evolutionary lineage.

Which conclusion is MOST supported by both graphs?

• Evolutionary relatedness cannot be determined from proteins.
  

• Mice are more closely related to humans than orangutans are.
  

• The more similar the protein sequence, the more closely related the organisms.
  

• Cytochrome C and Hemoglobin Beta evolve at the same rate.

Answer explanation

Both graphs show that higher similarity in molecular sequences corresponds to species that are more closely related to humans.

If scientists discover a new primate species with 95% similarity in Hemoglobin Beta to humans, what claim can reasonably be made?

• The species is less related to humans than chimpanzees but more than mice.
  

• The species is likely more closely related to reptiles.
  

• The species cannot be classified due to lack of fossil evidence.
  

• Similarity in one protein proves the species is identical to humans.

Answer explanation

95% similarity places it between orangutans and gorillas, showing a moderately close relationship to humans based on comparative molecular evidence.