Answered

A scientist is comparing the DNA of a moth species (Species Z) to four other moth species (Species A, B, C, and D). The table below shows the number of genetic differences between Species Z and each of the other species:

| Species | # of Genetic Differences |
|-----------|--------------------------|
| Species A | 12 |
| Species B | 3 |
| Species C | 14 |
| Species D | 28 |

Which species is most closely related to Species Z?

A. Species A
B. Species B
C. Species C
D. Species D



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
To determine which species is most closely related to Species Z based on genetic differences, let's summarize the given information and find the species with the smallest number of genetic differences. Here are the genetic differences between Species Z and the other species:

- Species A has 12 genetic differences.
- Species B has 3 genetic differences.
- Species C has 14 genetic differences.
- Species D has 28 genetic differences.

The closest related species will be the one with the fewest number of genetic differences. Let's list out the differences for clarity:

- Differences for Species A: 12
- Differences for Species B: 3
- Differences for Species C: 14
- Differences for Species D: 28

Now, we compare these numbers to find the smallest one:

- 12 (Species A)
- 3 (Species B) --> This is the smallest.
- 14 (Species C)
- 28 (Species D)

Since 3 is the smallest number of genetic differences, Species B is the most closely related species to Species Z.

Therefore, the species most closely related to Species Z is Species B.