A gene accumulates one mutation every 100 years.If one species splits into 2 now, how many differences will exist in that gene between the two in 500 years?
A) 2
B) 5
C) 10
D) 100
E) 500

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since one mutation occurs every 100 years, in 500 years there would be 5 mutations in the gene. Since the species has split into two, each with their own lineage, these mutations will accumulate independently in each lineage over the 500 years. Thus, there will be a total of 10 differences between the two lineages (5 in each lineage).

A Gene Accumulates One Mutation Every 100 Years