Examine Figure 22.10, below. Which of the following statements is the MOST accurate in reflecting levels of genetic divergence between different species of lice? Photo sources: (left) Photo by Alex Popinga, courtesy of James Demastes; (right) Richard Ditch @ richditch.com.
G) cherriei and G. costaricensis will have accumulated the most genetic differences between them relative to the other Geomydoecus species because they share the most recent common ancestor.
G) cherriei and G. costaricensis will have accumulated the fewest genetic differences between them relative to the other Geomydoecus species because they share the most recent common ancestor.
G) cherriei and G. costaricensis will have the same number of genetic differences as O. cherrieri and O. heterodus because they coevolved together.
G) cherriei and G. costaricensis will have the same number of genetic differences from G. chapini because speciation could not occur in the lice without genetic differences.

Question

Examine Figure 22.10, below. Which of the following statements is the MOST accurate in reflecting levels of genetic divergence between different species of lice?  Photo sources: (left) Photo by Alex Popinga, courtesy of James Demastes; (right) Richard Ditch @ richditch.com.
G) cherriei and G. costaricensis will have accumulated the most genetic differences between them relative to the other Geomydoecus species because they share the most recent common ancestor. 
G) cherriei and G. costaricensis will have accumulated the fewest genetic differences between them relative to the other Geomydoecus species because they share the most recent common ancestor. 
G) cherriei and G. costaricensis will have the same number of genetic differences as O. cherrieri and O. heterodus because they coevolved together. 
G) cherriei and G. costaricensis will have the same number of genetic differences from G. chapini because speciation could not occur in the lice without genetic differences.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the figure, G. cherriei and G. costaricensis share the most recent common ancestor and are thus expected to have accumulated the fewest genetic differences between them relative to the other Geomydoecus species. This is consistent with the pattern shown in the figure.