Question

multiple choice question
which of the following would be the most useful in tracking recent evolutionary events in two closely related eukaryotic species using a molecular clock?

mitochondrial dna

messenger rna

ribosomal rna

nuclear dna

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Explanation:

To track recent evolutionary events in closely related eukaryotic species with a molecular clock, we need a molecule that evolves relatively quickly (to show recent changes) and is inherited in a way that allows comparison. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has a higher mutation rate than nuclear DNA in many eukaryotes, evolves faster, and is useful for studying recent divergences. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is transient and not inherited across generations. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is highly conserved, so it's better for deep - time evolution. Nuclear DNA has a lower mutation rate compared to mtDNA for recent events. So mitochondrial DNA is the most useful here.

Answer:

A. mitochondrial DNA