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 Species Z, we need to find which species has the fewest genetic differences compared to Species Z. According to the table provided:

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

We will compare the number of 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.

The species with the smallest number of genetic differences will be the most closely related to Species Z.

From the given genetic differences:
- 3 (Species B) is the smallest number of differences.

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