A scientist is trying to determine the relationship between clams, snails, and squid. When she generates a molecular clock, she is surprised to see that clams and squid are more closely related than clams and snails. Which did the molecular clock data show?
Answer
A
Clams and snails have more in common genetically than clams and squid.
B
Clams and snails are more similar in related structures than clams and squids.
C
Clams and squid have been evolving separately for a shorter time than clams and snails.
D
Clams and squid have been evolving separately for a longer time than clams and snails.
Explanation
A molecular clock estimates how long ago two groups began evolving separately. If clams and squid are more closely related than clams and snails, they share a more recent common ancestor, so they have been evolving separately for a shorter time. This matches the choice that says clams and squid separated more recently than clams and snails.
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