Use the following figure to answer the question.

"Rare events" can help us understand evolutionary events, as shown in the figure. Which of the following statements explains the logic of this approach?
A) Organisms with the mutation evolved convergently.
B) The mutation provided an adaptive advantage to the organisms that contained it.
C) Because the mutation likely occurred only once, all organisms with the mutation have a common ancestor with the mutation.
D) "Reverse evolution" does not occur.

Question

Use the following figure to answer the question.

"Rare events" can help us understand evolutionary events, as shown in the figure. Which of the following statements explains the logic of this approach?
A) Organisms with the mutation evolved convergently. 
B) The mutation provided an adaptive advantage to the organisms that contained it. 
C) Because the mutation likely occurred only once, all organisms with the mutation have a common ancestor with the mutation. 
D) "Reverse evolution" does not occur.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The figure shows a rare genetic event (mutation) that occurred only once and is present in multiple species. By recognizing the presence of the mutation in these species, we can infer that all organisms with the mutation share a common ancestor. This approach allows us to track evolutionary events and relationships, as well as identify important genetic changes that may have provided selective advantages. Choice A is incorrect because convergent evolution refers to the independent evolution of similar traits in different lineages, which may or may not involve the same genetic mutations. Choice B may be true in some cases, but it does not explain the logic behind using rare events to understand evolutionary events. Choice D is incorrect because "reverse evolution" (i.e. loss of a previously evolved trait) can occur, but it would not affect the inference that all organisms with a rare trait share a common ancestor.

Use the Following Figure to Answer the Question