Evolution, Adaptation and Classification Systematics Practice Questions | University Admission Biology

University Admission Biology Exam

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A biologist compares a conserved gene segment (same function across many taxa) from two species and finds only 2 substitutions per 1000 base pairs, while a neutral intron region shows 35 substitutions per 1000 base pairs. Which interpretation is most scientifically defensible?

Select one option.

The conserved gene proves the species are unrelated because it has fewer substitutions
The intron proves the conserved gene is nonfunctional in both species
Both regions mutate at identical rates, so the difference is experimental error
Natural selection constrains changes in the conserved gene more strongly than in the intron
The intron must be under stronger selection because it has more substitutions

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