[Campbell Biology P.611] Based on Figure 26.13 and the accompanying text, which of the follo... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 26.13 and the accompanying text, which of the following vertebrate lineages shows the most accumulated genetic change for the studied gene from its common ancestor with other vertebrates in the tree?

  • A: Mouse
  • B: Human
  • C: Frog
  • D: Zebrafish
  • E: Lancelet

Explanation

Figure 26.13 illustrates phylogenetic relationships where branch lengths are proportional to the amount of genetic change. Among the vertebrate lineages depicted Mouse, Human, Chicken, Frog, Zebrafish, Lancelet , the Lancelet lineage has the longest horizontal branch length originating from its common ancestor with other vertebrates. This indicates that it has accumulated the most genetic changes for the studied gene among the listed vertebrates.