Question

Comparative biochemistry can be utilized to measure genetic distance between diverged lineages. What does this tell us about their evolutionary history? How can this help us identify homoplasy?

Answer 1

Ans: Comparative biochemistry is the study of protein machines and enzymes found in different species. As these are encoded by DNA sequences. By comparing similarities and differences in these chemicals, scientists can establish together evolutionary relationships between organisms.

Homoplasy is a character shared by two species but not present in their common ancestor. It can be identified in common ancestor with the help of compaartive biocchemistry. If a gene is present in two related species but is absent in their comon ancestor, it give an indication of homoplasy.