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 compared it to the study subject. He then created this table.

\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline
Species & \# 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 Species Z, we need to find which species has the smallest number of genetic differences when compared to Species Z from the given data. Here is the step-by-step analysis:

1. List the Genetic Differences:
- Species A: 12 genetic differences
- Species B: 3 genetic differences
- Species C: 14 genetic differences
- Species D: 28 genetic differences

2. Compare the Genetic Differences:
- Compare the number of genetic differences for each species.
- Species A has 12 differences.
- Species B has 3 differences.
- Species C has 14 differences.
- Species D has 28 differences.

3. Identify the Minimum:
- The smallest number among 12, 3, 14, and 28 is 3.

4. Conclusion:
- Since Species B has the fewest genetic differences (3) compared to Species Z, Species B is the most closely related to Species Z.

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