A phylogenetic tree constructed using sequence differences in mitochondrial DNA would be most valid for discerning the evolutionary relatedness of
A) archaeans and bacteria.
B) fungi and animals.
C) chimpanzees and humans.
D) sharks and dolphins.
E) mosses and ferns.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally and evolves rapidly, making it a useful tool for examining recent common ancestry. Therefore, a phylogenetic tree constructed using mitochondrial DNA sequence differences would be most valid for discerning the evolutionary relatedness of chimpanzees and humans, as they share a relatively recent common ancestor.

Note: While a mitochondrial DNA phylogenetic tree could potentially be used to infer the relatedness of sharks and dolphins, this may not be as valid as other molecular markers due to the fact that both groups have evolved rapidly and are distantly related evolutionarily.

A Phylogenetic Tree Constructed Using Sequence Differences in Mitochondrial DNA