Why might researchers choose to use molecular data (such as ribosomal RNA sequences)rather than morphological data to study the evolutionary history of animals?
A)Molecular data can be gathered in the lab,while morphological data must be gathered in the field.
B)Sequence data can be gathered faster than morphological data,and morphological data can lead to wrong conclusions.
C)Morphological changes usually don't result from molecular changes.
D)Some phyla vary too widely in morphological characteristics to be classified accurately.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Molecular data, such as ribosomal RNA sequences, can be quickly gathered in the lab and analyzed, whereas gathering morphological data requires extensive fieldwork and can be time-consuming. Additionally, morphological characteristics can be variable within species and can lead to wrong conclusions about evolutionary relationships. Molecular data, on the other hand, reflects genetic similarities and differences, which are less likely to vary within and between species.

Why Might Researchers Choose to Use Molecular Data (Such as Ribosomal