The phylogenetic tree below shows the evolutionary relationship between seven species of cichlid fish - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 8
The phylogenetic tree below shows the evolutionary relationship between seven species of cichlid fish.
Molecular homology can be used to construct a phylogenetic tr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The phylogenetic tree below shows the evolutionary relationship between seven species of cichlid fish - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
State which two species of cichlid fish would be expected to have the most similar amino acid sequences in their proteins.
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Answer
Amatitlania siquia and Hypsophrys nematopus are expected to have the most similar amino acid sequences.
Step 2
Justify your answer.
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Answer
Both Amatitlania siquia and Hypsophrys nematopus share a more recent common ancestor, indicating that they have had less time to accumulate differences in their DNA. This closer evolutionary relationship suggests that the amino acid sequences in their proteins are likely to be more similar compared to other species in the phylogenetic tree.
