You Are Using a Molecular Clock to Investigate How Long

question 34

Multiple Choice

You are using a molecular clock to investigate how long ago two taxa diverged.In the sequence of mitochondrial DNA you are using,in one location an arginine mutated to a thymine;thousands of years later,it mutated from thymine back to arginine.What effect will this reversion to arginine have on your estimate of the time of divergence?

• A)It will have no effect.
• B)You will slightly overestimate the time since the two taxa diverged.
• C)You will slightly underestimate the time since the two taxa diverged.

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Definitions:

Mutual Defense Pact

An international agreement between countries to support each other in case of an attack by an external party, providing a collective security mechanism.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization

An intergovernmental military alliance formed in 1949 between North American and European countries to ensure mutual defense and security.

Military Aggression

actions by a state to use military force against another state or territory, often without a legitimate cause or provocation, leading to conflict or war.

Eisenhower Doctrine

A Cold War policy declared by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, stating American commitment to defend the Middle East against attack by any communist country.