Question

multiple choice question if the gene sequences of two organisms differ by about 4–6% and substitutions occur at a rate of 1% per 1 million years, then how long ago did the species diverge? 3 to 4 million years 4 to 6 million years 6 to 8 million years 12 to 16 million years need help? review these concept resources. rate your confidence to submit your answer. high medium low

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the formula

The time of divergence can be calculated by dividing the percentage difference in gene sequences by the substitution rate per million years. The formula is \( \text{Time (in million years)}=\frac{\text{Percentage difference in gene sequences}}{\text{Substitution rate per million years}} \)

Step2: Calculate the time range

Given the percentage difference is \( 4 - 6\% \) and the substitution rate is \( 1\% \) per 1 million years.
For the lower bound: \( \frac{4\%}{1\% \text{ per million years}} = 4 \) million years.
For the upper bound: \( \frac{6\%}{1\% \text{ per million years}} = 6 \) million years.

Answer:

B. 4 to 6 million years