If you wanted todetermine howclosely related 2 modernday organisms are,?

Question

which of the following would be good strategies? (There may be more than one correct answer.)

A. Comparing their fossil records
B. Looking for structural and genetic similarities
C. Comparing embryo morphology
D. Doing radioactive dating

Answer 1

B is the best answer, and A and C might give you some indication, but not nearly as much as B.

Answer 2

B

Comparing fossil records and radioactive dating (answers A and D) are not usually considered ways of comparing modern day organisms. Embryo morphology is surprisingly similar amongst widely varying species, so C is not a good answer. Most of the time, if you want to compare 2 organisms, you will look at basic structure of the organism (gross structure, skeletal features, cellular features, etc.) and also look at DNA or RNA similarities.

Answer 3

B is the best answer. A and C are both useful, too, but genetic comparisons give you the most complete information.