Question

What are some of the advantages of using molecular data in evolutionary studies

Answer 1

Ans. In evolutionary studies use of molecular data is very important. Some of the advantages are-

-Two different species might have similarities morphologically but on analysis at molecular level i.e. similarities and differences of DNA sequences, we can understand the differences between the species.

-Relatedness of two species can be understood with the comparative analysis of DNA sequences of the two species. More closely related species do share more similarities in DNA sequence.

- Recent common ancestor can be found out with the degree of similarities at DNA sequences.

- Divergence of a species can be understood by analysing of sequence difference and similarities with the recent common ancestor.

- To understand how genes, genomes evolve, we should do analysis at molecular level.

- More accurate phylogenetic tree can be constructed by relying on DNA sequence similarities rather than merely relying on morphological similarities.