Answered

A scientist is trying to determine how closely related a moth species (Species Z) is to four other moth species (Species A, B, C, and D). He examined the DNA of each species and created this table:

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline
Species & Number of Genetic Differences \\
\hline
Species A & 12 \\
\hline
Species B & 3 \\
\hline
Species C & 14 \\
\hline
Species D & 28 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}

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 the moth Species Z, we'll need to look for the species with the fewest genetic differences compared to Species Z. Here's a detailed step-by-step solution:

1. Identify the genetic differences for each 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.

2. Compare the genetic differences to find the smallest number:
- Species A: 12
- Species B: 3
- Species C: 14
- Species D: 28

3. Determine which number is the smallest:
- Between 12, 3, 14, and 28, the smallest number is 3.

4. Identify which species corresponds to the smallest number of genetic differences:
- The species with 3 genetic differences is Species B.

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