In addition to phylogenies, another method for evaluating the amount of time that has passed since living organisms diverged is called a molecular clock.

The molecular clock is based on the idea that some genes and gene regions tend to

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In addition to phylogenies, another method for evaluating the amount of time that has passed since living organisms diverged is called a molecular clock.

The molecular clock is based on the idea that some genes and gene regions tend to

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question discusses the molecular clock concept used alongside phylogenies to estimate divergence times between living organisms.
Option 1: 'evolve by natural selection at constant rates.' This is not aligned with the molecular clock idea, which emphasizes neutral changes rather than adaptive changes driven by natural selection, so this option misstates the underlying mechanism.
Option 2: 'evolve by natural selection by punctuated equilibrium.' This mixes two concepts—punctuated equilibrium (a pattern of evolutionary change) and natural selection—but it still centers on selection-driven change, not the steady accumulation of neutral changes used for clock estimates.
Option 3: 'accumulate neutral mutations at constant rates.' This matches the core principle of the molecular clock: many mutations that accumulate over time are effectively neutral and fixed by genetic drift, leading to roughly constant substitution rates that enable time estimates.
Option 4: 'accumulate beneficial mutations at constant rates.' Beneficial mutations are typically subject to positive selection and do not accrue at a steady, clock-like rate, so this option does not reflect the molecular clock assumption about neutrality and constant rates.
In summary, the molecular clock relies on the steady, clock-like accumulation of neutral mutations, rather than changes driven by selection (positive or otherwise) or non-neutral processes, which is why option 3 is the accurate description.

APBIO142-030 with labs 25.01 to 25.03 - Video Quiz

In addition to phylogenies, another method for evaluating the amount of time that has passed since living organisms diverged is called a molecular clock. The molecular clock is based on the idea that some genes and gene regions tend to

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