Imagine that,of three species,it is known that species 1 and 3 were separated 10 million years ago,based on geologic measurements.Genetic analysis at a neutral locus indicates that these species differ by 100 substitutions.If there are 10 substitutions separating species 1 and 2,approximately how long ago did these species diverge?
A)0.1 million years ago
B)1 million years ago
C)10 million years ago
D)100 million years ago
E)Cannot be determined based on the information provided

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rate of substitution is 100 substitutions per 10 million years, or 10 substitutions per million years. Since species 1 and 2 differ by 10 substitutions, they likely diverged approximately 1 million years ago.

Imagine That,of Three Species,it Is Known That Species 1 and 3