Which application of phylogenetic trees cannot be done without assuming a molecular clock?
A) Determining whether one node occurred before another
B) Allowing us to compare and contrast living organisms
C) Revealing convergent evolution
D) Assisting in reconstructing ancestral states
E) Providing an estimate of the absolute date when two lineages split

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The estimation of the absolute date when two lineages split requires the assumption of a molecular clock, which is a constant rate of nucleotide substitutions over time. The other applications of phylogenetic trees (determining node order, comparing living organisms, revealing convergent evolution, and reconstructing ancestral states) do not necessarily require the assumption of a molecular clock.

Which Application of Phylogenetic Trees Cannot Be Done Without Assuming