Comparison of sequences in mitochondrial DNA is often used to establish the degree of relatedness between organisms and thus to suggest evolutionary relationships, particularly in complex, higher-level organisms - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2007 - Paper 1

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is particularly valuable in evolutionary studies because it generally has a higher mutation rate compared to nuclear DNA. However, in the context of evolutionary relationships, one of the key factors is that mtDNA mutates more slowly than nuclear DNA, particularly across certain species lineages. This slower mutation rate provides a more stable genetic marker for analyzing relationships over longer evolutionary periods. Thus, the correct choice is C.