Consider the following figure of sequence divergence over time. The dashed and solid lines represent synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions, respectively. Which one or more of the following does the figure support?
Consider the following figure of sequence divergence over time. The dashed and solid lines represent synonymous and non-synonymous substitutions, respectively. Which one or more of the following does the figure support?
Show Hint
- Adaptive evolution
- Molecular clock
- Neutral theory of evolution
- Positive selection
The Correct Option is B, C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Analyze the Graph Trends.
The graph shows a linear increase in synonymous substitutions over time, which is consistent with the molecular clock hypothesis that mutations accumulate at a constant rate.
Step 2: Consider Non-Synonymous Substitutions.
The non-synonymous substitutions also increase, but at a lower rate, supporting the neutral theory of evolution, which suggests that most evolutionary changes are the result of neutral mutations rather than adaptive ones.
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