Divergence Time Estimates Based on Molecular Clocks Are

question 36

Multiple Choice

Divergence time estimates based on molecular clocks are

• A)best interpreted with caution, since they depend on assumptions that are difficult to test.
• B)likely to be correct plus or minus a few decades.
• C)usually worthless since we cannot directly observe divergence times unless we invent a time machine.
• D)more reliable than divergence dates that are based on analysis of the fossil record.

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Definitions:

Rising Prices

A situation where the general level of prices for goods and services in an economy increases over a period of time.

Average Total Cost

The total cost of production divided by the quantity of output, encompassing both fixed and variable costs.

Average Variable Cost

The cost per unit of production that varies with the level of output, calculated by dividing the total variable costs by the number of units produced.

Variable Costs

Expenses that change in proportion to the activity of a business, such as costs for raw materials or production inputs.