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A scientist is trying to determine how closely related a moth species (Species Z) is to four other moth species (Species A, B, C, and D). He examined the DNA of each species and compared it to the study subject. He then created this table:

| Species | # of genetic differences |
|-----------|--------------------------|
| Species A | 12 |
| Species B | 3 |
| Species C | 14 |
| Species D | 28 |

Which species is most closely related to Species Z?

A. Species A
B. Species B
C. Species C
D. Species D



Answer :

GinnyAnswer
To determine which species is most closely related to Species Z, we need to examine the number of genetic differences between Species Z and each of the other species ([tex]$A, B, C,$[/tex] and [tex]$D$[/tex]). The species with the fewest genetic differences will be the most closely related to Species Z.

Here’s the table that summarizes the genetic differences:

[tex]\[ \begin{array}{|c|c|} \hline \text{Species} & \# \text{ of genetic differences} \\ \hline \text{Species A} & 12 \\ \hline \text{Species B} & 3 \\ \hline \text{Species C} & 14 \\ \hline \text{Species D} & 28 \\ \hline \end{array} \][/tex]

Let's analyze the table:

- Species A has 12 genetic differences with Species Z.
- Species B has 3 genetic differences with Species Z.
- Species C has 14 genetic differences with Species Z.
- Species D has 28 genetic differences with Species Z.

The species with the fewest genetic differences is Species B, which has only 3 genetic differences with Species Z.

Therefore, Species B is the most closely related to Species Z.

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