Scientists may compare similar genes in different species and determine what percentage of base pairs is identical.From this,it can be estimated how long ago the two species shared a common ancestor.The validity of this conclusion depends on an important assumption.This assumption is that:

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The assumption that mutations occur at a fairly constant rate in all evolutionary lines is crucial for estimating when two species shared a common ancestor based on comparing their genes. If mutations occurred at different rates in different evolutionary lines, then the estimate of when the two species diverged would be inaccurate.

Scientists May Compare Similar Genes in Different Species and Determine