The family Felidae (cats) is distributed across Africa, Eurasia, North America, and South America and is hypothesized to have eight major lineages (Panthera, bay cat, caracal, ocelot, lynx, puma, leopard, and domestic cat groups) as shown in this phylogenetic tree, constructed from DNA sequences. Scientists used a molecular clock and fossil evidence to date the divergence of each group. The dates of divergence are provided in the accompanying figure.

-Which groups would be expected to have the greatest number of genetic differences?
A) Domestic cat and leopard groups
B) Puma and ocelot groups
C) Leopard and lynx groups
D) Bay cat and domestic cat groups

Question

The family Felidae (cats) is distributed across Africa, Eurasia, North America, and South America and is hypothesized to have eight major lineages (Panthera, bay cat, caracal, ocelot, lynx, puma, leopard, and domestic cat groups) as shown in this phylogenetic tree, constructed from DNA sequences. Scientists used a molecular clock and fossil evidence to date the divergence of each group. The dates of divergence are provided in the accompanying figure.
 
-Which groups would be expected to have the greatest number of genetic differences?
A) Domestic cat and leopard groups 
B) Puma and ocelot groups 
C) Leopard and lynx groups 
D) Bay cat and domestic cat groups

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bay cat and domestic cat groups are expected to have the greatest number of genetic differences because they have been separated for the longest period of time.

The Family Felidae (Cats) Is Distributed Across Africa, Eurasia, North