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 the moth species (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 (Species Z), we need to examine the number of genetic differences between Species Z and each of the other four species (Species A, B, C, and D). The species with the fewest genetic differences will be the most closely related.

Here is a summary of the given data:

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

To find the species with the least genetic differences, we compare the numbers:

- 12 (Species A)
- 3 (Species B)
- 14 (Species C)
- 28 (Species D)

Among these values, the smallest number of genetic differences is 3, which corresponds to Species B.

Therefore, Species B is the most closely related to the moth species (Species Z), with only 3 genetic differences.