The number of neutral mutations that accumulated in the genomes of two lineages can be used as a ___________to estimate how long ago they diverged.
A) mutation rate
B) molecular clock
C) phylogenetic tree
D) evolutionary ruler
E) radiometric measure

Question

The number of neutral mutations that accumulated in the genomes of two lineages can be used as a ___________to estimate how long ago they diverged.  
A) mutation rate
B) molecular clock
C) phylogenetic tree
D) evolutionary ruler
E) radiometric measure

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The concept of a "molecular clock" involves the use of rates of neutral mutations to estimate the time of divergence between two lineages. The other answer choices are not directly related to this concept.

The Number of Neutral Mutations That Accumulated in the Genomes