After reading the paragraph below, answer the questions that follow.
In the North Pacific Ocean, two groups of the same species of killer whales (Orcinus orca) appear to be forming two different species based on what they eat. One group eats fish and the other eats mammals such as seals. Scientists can tell what they eat based on their teeth, because whales that feed on fish have significantly different wear patterns.
-Which of the following would not be a useful procedure to perform in determining whether or not this speciation has occurred?
A)Compare teeth of whales alive today to teeth of whales in ancient samples.
B)Compare DNA samples from fish-eaters and mammal-eaters.
C)Compare stomach contents of whales from each of the two populations.
D)Compare body shape of whales from each population.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Comparing the body shape of whales from each population would not be as useful in determining whether or not speciation has occurred, as body shape may not necessarily be different between the two populations. The other options would all provide useful information in determining whether or not speciation has occurred. Comparing teeth from ancient samples could provide evidence of how long ago the populations diverged, comparing DNA samples could show whether or not the populations have genetic differences, and comparing stomach contents could confirm what each population is eating.

After Reading the Paragraph Below, Answer the Questions That Follow