[Campbell Biology P.503] Based on Figure 21.11 and the accompanying text, what is the strong... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 21.11 and the accompanying text, what is the strongest evidence supporting the model that human chromosome 2 resulted from the fusion of two ancestral chimpanzee-like chromosomes?

  • A: The human haploid number is 23, while chimpanzees have 24.
  • B: Human chromosome 2 contains telomere-like sequences and an extra, unused centromere in its middle, corresponding to sequences found on separate ancestral chimpanzee chromosomes.
  • C: All great ape species, including gorillas and orangutans, have 24 chromosomes.
  • D: The banding patterns of human chromosome 2 align perfectly with ancestral chimpanzee chromosome 12 and 13.

Explanation

The text explicitly states that 'Sequencing and analysis of human chromosome 2 during the Human Genome Project revealed sequences for telomeres and an extra, unused centromere in the middle of it, among other very strong supporting evidence for the model described previously see Figure 21.11 .' This directly confirms the presence of molecular markers that would only exist if a fusion event occurred, making it the strongest evidence.