Eukaryotes that are not closely related and that do not share many anatomical similarities can still be placed together on the same phylogenetic tree by comparing their ________.
A) plasmids
B) mitochondrial genomes
C) homologous genes that are poorly conserved
D) homologous genes that are highly conserved

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Homologous genes that are highly conserved, such as ribosomal RNA genes or genes involved in core metabolic pathways, provide a strong basis for inferring evolutionary relationships between distantly related eukaryotes. The more similar the DNA sequences of these genes are between two organisms, the more recently they shared a common ancestor. Plasmids and mitochondrial genomes are not present in all eukaryotes and are not as widely conserved as core genes. Homologous genes that are poorly conserved may not provide enough reliable information to confidently place eukaryotes on a phylogenetic tree.

Eukaryotes That Are Not Closely Related and That Do Not