If the mutation rate is not the same for all species being compared using a molecular clock,what does a phylogenetic tree demonstrate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A phylogenetic tree, when the mutation rate varies across species, primarily demonstrates the evolutionary distance between species rather than precise divergence times. This is because the molecular clock assumption (constant mutation rate) is violated, making it difficult to accurately infer time since divergence.

If the Mutation Rate Is Not the Same for All