For which of the following organisms would a phylogenetic tree constructed using sequence differences in mitochondrial DNA would be most valid for discerning their evolutionary relatedness?
A) archaeans and bacteria
B) fungi and animals
C) chimpanzees and humans
D) sharks and dolphins

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited maternally and is used to trace lineage and evolutionary relationships among eukaryotic organisms. Chimpanzees and humans are both eukaryotes and closely related species, making mitochondrial DNA a valid tool for discerning their evolutionary relatedness. Archaeans and bacteria are prokaryotes without mitochondria, fungi and animals have a more distant common ancestor, and sharks (fish) and dolphins (mammals) are distantly related, making mitochondrial DNA less effective for these comparisons.

For Which of the Following Organisms Would a Phylogenetic Tree