What is a molecular clock?
A)a tool scientists use to date fossils
B)a tool scientists use to determine how many mutations a species accumulates over time
C)a tool scientists use to determine how long two species have been evolving independently
D)a tool scientists use to determine how long it takes to sequence a strand of DNA
My Answer: A
I think B could be a possibility too but Im pretty sure its A.
I think there's a better answer.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molecular_clock
I think what it is saying there implies that its C. is that right? :)
Yes, I think C is the best answer.
What does your book say?
thanks :) I don't have one....
You are correct! A molecular clock is indeed a tool that scientists use to date fossils. Specifically, it is a technique used to estimate the timing of evolutionary events based on the assumption that DNA or protein sequence changes occur at a relatively constant rate over time.
To determine the age of a fossil, scientists can compare the genetic material of different species and calculate the amount of differences or mutations that have accumulated since their common ancestor. By knowing the rate at which these mutations accumulate, they can then estimate how long it has been since the species diverged or the fossil was formed.
In this case, option A is the most accurate description of what a molecular clock is. Option B is not completely incorrect, as a molecular clock does indeed help determine the accumulation of mutations over time, but its main purpose is to use those mutations to estimate the age of fossils. Options C and D, on the other hand, do not accurately describe the function of a molecular clock.