Comparisons between the cytochrome b protein sequence in the honeycreeper versus the deer mouse and the Gough Island finch reveal 18 and 4 amino acid differences, respectively. Therefore, _____.
A) the honeycreeper is more closely related to the deer mouse
B) the honeycreeper and the Gough Island finch are the same species
C) the honeycreeper is more closely related to the Gough Island finch
D) no DNA mutations have occurred during the evolution of the honeycreeper
E) the DNA sequences of all three species are identical

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The honeycreeper is more closely related to the Gough Island finch because it has fewer amino acid differences (4) compared to the deer mouse (18), indicating a closer evolutionary relationship.

Comparisons Between the Cytochrome B Protein Sequence in the Honeycreeper