1. An analysis of DNA and RNA sequences can be used to classify organisms. A dendrogram, such as
the one shown below, is based on molecular data. It can be used to represent evolutionary
relationships within a group of organisms that are hypothesized to have descended from a common
ancestor.
Brown bear
Sun bear
Spectaded bear
Giant panda
Lesser panda
Raccoon
Dog
100 50 60 40 20
Millions of Years Ago
Which statement is best supported by the information in this dendrogram?
A. Lesser pandas are more genetically similar to giant pandas that they are to raccoons.
B.
Brown bears are more genetically similar to giant pandas than they are to sun bears.
C
Lesser pandas are more genetically similar to raccoons than they are to giant pandas.
D
The bear species are all more genetically similar to dogs than they are to giant pandas.