Q50 - Pitfalls of Molecular Sequences as Phylogenetic Markers
Using sequence differences to establish phylogenies has some advantages and possible dangers. An inappropriate choice of molecule could result in molecular trees that greatly distort true phylogenetic relationships. Hence, care must be taken in using this approach.
Using the information and data, determine which of the statements are true or which are false.
A. Polypeptide sequences of cytochrome c are very useful for establishing evolutionary relationships between closely related species.
B. For phylogenetic analysis, comparing partial sequences from many different genes is better than comparing full-length sequences of several genes.
C. Rates of nucleotide substitution per unit of time are faster in organisms with short generation times than in organisms with long generation times.
D. The Neutral Theory requires that all polypeptide and DNA sequences evolve at the same rate.
Question reproduced from IBO 2016, Theoretical Paper A, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 - attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Community solutions (unofficial)