Mitochondrial DNA is most useful for phylogenetic analysis
A) in the study of relatively ancient relationships.
B) in groups with few species that have survived to the present.
C) of closely related animal (but not plant) species.
D) of prokaryotes.
E) of paternal inheritance.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mitochondrial DNA is most useful for studying closely related animal species because it evolves relatively quickly and is inherited maternally, allowing for the tracking of lineage and evolutionary relationships within and between species. It is not as useful for ancient relationships, prokaryotes (which lack mitochondria), or paternal inheritance patterns.

Mitochondrial DNA Is Most Useful for Phylogenetic Analysis