Which scenario presents the greatest challenge to the assumption of a molecular clock?
A) Data from protein sequences can be used to date when different orders of insects diverged from one another.
B) Genes that have a functional role evolve more slowly than those that are not functional.
C) Lineages of mammals with short generation times evolve faster than lineages with longer generation times.
D) Phylogenetic analysis has revealed that the insulin receptor evolved before the protein insulin.
E) The rate of evolution of an enzyme across lineages of fungi is relatively constant regardless of the divergence time of the splits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The assumption of a molecular clock is that genetic mutations accumulate at a constant rate over time. However, when lineages have different generation times, this assumption is challenged because mutations can accumulate more rapidly in lineages with shorter generation times. Therefore, scenario C presents the greatest challenge to the assumption of a molecular clock.

Which Scenario Presents the Greatest Challenge to the Assumption of a Molecular