If, someday, an Archaean cell is discovered with an rRNA sequence that is more similar to that of humans than the sequence of mouse rRNA is to that of humans, the best explanation for this apparent discrepancy would be ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Homoplasy refers to a similarity in the structure or genetic sequence between species that is not due to common ancestry, but rather to convergent evolution or other processes. This would be the best explanation for an Archaean cell having an rRNA sequence more similar to humans than that of a mouse to humans, as it suggests a similarity not explained by direct lineage or common ancestry.

If, Someday, an Archaean Cell Is Discovered with an RRNA