Question

performance matters
sci_life_cfa1_cells_sy26
question 3 of 18
submit test
butterflies and moths are among the most cherished insects. the evolutionary relationship between the two has been difficult to estimate because very few fossils exist due to their extremely fragile body and wing structures. recent studies show that they share a common ancestor, and that hedylids, commonly known as butterfly - moths, are in fact true butterflies, not moths at all.
hedyld butterfly
what new evidence would best support the claim that hedylids are true butterflies?
dna testing revealed evidence that shows hedylids were closely related to butterflies.
a smaller number of hedylids were studied and showed similarities closer to moths.
morphological traits such as wing shape and structure were not similar to butterflies.
dna testing revealed evidence that shows hedylids were closely related to moths.

Explanation:

DNA testing can provide strong genetic - based evidence of evolutionary relationships. If it shows that hedylids are closely related to butterflies, it best supports the claim that they are true butterflies. Morphological traits can be misleading, and a small sample size of studies is not conclusive. Evidence showing a close relation to moths would not support the claim that hedylids are true butterflies.

Answer:

DNA testing revealed evidence that shows hedylids were closely related to butterflies.