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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 the moth species (Species Z)?

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



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
Let's determine how closely related Species Z is to each of the four other species (A, B, C, and D) based on the number of genetic differences.

Given the table:
[tex]\[ \begin{array}{|c|c|} \hline Species & \# \text{ of genetic differences} \\ \hline \text{Species A} & 12 \\ \hline \text{Species B} & 3 \\ \hline \text{Species C} & 14 \\ \hline \text{Species D} & 28 \\ \hline \end{array} \][/tex]

We are looking for the species with the fewest genetic differences to determine which one is most closely related to Species Z.

Let's list the number of genetic differences for each species:
- Species A: 12 genetic differences
- Species B: 3 genetic differences
- Species C: 14 genetic differences
- Species D: 28 genetic differences

Next, we compare these values to find the minimum:
- 12 (Species A)
- 3 (Species B)
- 14 (Species C)
- 28 (Species D)

The smallest number of genetic differences is 3, which corresponds to Species B.

Thus, the species that is most closely related to Species Z is:

Species B

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