Consider the following DNA sequences for four different species:
1: AATCG
2: TAATG
3: ATACC
4: ATAGG
Based on the principle of parsimony,which species shares a most recent common ancestor with a species having the sequence TTACC?
A)Species 1
B)Species 2
C)Species 3
D)Species 4

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Species 3 shares the most similarities with TTACC as they only differ by one base pair, whereas species 1 and 4 differ by two base pairs and species 2 by three base pairs. Therefore, based on the principle of parsimony, it is more likely that species 3 and the unknown species share a more recent common ancestor.

Consider the Following DNA Sequences for Four Different Species