Evolution
Evolution
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781605356051
Author: Douglas Futuyma, Mark Kirkpatrick
Publisher: SINAUER
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Chapter 7, Problem 1PDT
Summary Introduction

To estimate: The date when the most recent common ancestor of all three species lived using the given genetic data.

Introduction: A common ancestor of different species is an evolutionary link between the different species. Different organisms have evolved by differentiation and divergence from the common ancestor, which is their origin. The degree of differentiation or the time that it takes for an organism to evolve from a common ancestor is measured by the genetic distance.

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Explanation of Solution

Pictorial representation: Fig.1 represents the phylogenetic tree of the common ancestry.

Evolution, Chapter 7, Problem 1PDT

Fig.1: Phylogenetic tree

A species and B species are closely related, but species C is more distant to A and B. The phylogenetic tree shows that the common ancestor of A and B were seen 1.2 million years ago. As species C is even more distant, the common ancestor of all three was seen much before 1.2 million years ago. Since it took 1.2 million years to lead to a difference of 18 base pairs, time when the common ancestor on A, B, and C was seen, can be estimated to be 1.2 to 2 million years before the common ancestor of A and B.

Summary Introduction

To describe: The assumptions made to get the estimated date.

Introduction: A common ancestor of different species is an evolutionary link between the different species. Different organisms have evolved by differentiation and divergence from the common ancestor, which is their origin. The degree of differentiation or the time that it takes for an organism to evolve from a common ancestor is measured by the genetic distance.

Expert Solution
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Explanation of Solution

Species C is more distant to species A and B, hence their common ancestor is expected to present much earlier than the common ancestor of A and B. Species C is estimated to have lived 1.2 to 2 million years before the common ancestor of A and B.

To derive this, several assumptions are made such as follows:

  • It is assumed that speciation is a long and gradual process which occurs over a period of time.
  • Phylogenetic trees can be used to study diversification.
  • It is assumed that the three species A, B, and C have some similarities and hence have a common ancestor, which serves as a point of origin for diversification of species.

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A group of researchers are trying to determine the relationship between various groups of organisms. The researchers analyze the amino acid sequence of the protein cytochrome c in various groups of organisms. Once they sequence cytochrome c in all organisms, they determine the number of amino acid substitutions in each group. The results can be seen in the graph below, which plots the data with respect to the time since the divergence of the members of paired groups from a common ancestor. A B mammals and reptiles с Number of Amino Acid Substitutions (per 100 amino acids) in Cytochrome, c D 60- 50+ 40+ 30- 20+ 10+ 0 0 O birds and reptiles A graph showing when various groups of organisms diverged from a common ancestor Based on the graph above, can you conclude which of the following organisms are most distantly related? 200 400 600 800 1,000 Time Since Divergence from a Common Ancestor (millions of years) fish and land vertebrates mammals and reptiles birds and mammals insects and…
Imagine that you have the DNA sequences from the intron of a gene in three species called A, B, and C. Species A and B are most closely related, while C is more distantly related. The sequences of A and B differ by 18 base pairs, A and C differ by 26 base pairs, and B and C differ by 28 base pairs. Fossils show that species A and B diverged about 1.2 Mya, but there is no fossil evidence as to when the most recent common ancestor of all three species lived. (Draw a simple tree to help you think about the problem) Use the genetic data to estimate that date (most recent common ancestor). What assumptions are you making to get this estimate?
Imagine that you have the DNA sequences fromthe intron of a gene in three species called A, B,and C. Species A and B are most closely related,while C is more distantly related. The sequencesof A and B differ by 18 base pairs, A and C differby 26 base pairs, and B and C differ by 28 basepairs. Fossils show that species A and B divergedabout 1.2 Mya, but there is no fossil evidence asto when the most recent common ancestor ofall three species lived. Use the genetic data toestimate that date. What assumptions are youmaking to get this estimate?
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