Which statement represents the best explanation for the observation that the nuclear DNA of wolves and domestic dogs has a very high degree of sequence homology? Dogs and wolves ________.
A) have very similar morphologies
B) belong to the same order
C) are both members of the order Carnivora
D) share a very recent common ancestor

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high degree of sequence homology in the nuclear DNA of wolves and domestic dogs suggests that they share a very recent common ancestor. This is because genetic differences accumulate gradually over time due to mutation, so the longer two species have been separate, the greater their genetic divergence would be. The fact that wolves and dogs have a high degree of sequence homology suggests that they have not been separate for very long.

Which Statement Represents the Best Explanation for the Observation That