DNA samples from three organisms X, Y and Z were collected and comapared. The analysis showed the percentage similarity in DNA among the three organisms as follows.

X and Y: 67%
Y and Z: 93.4%
X and Z: 69%
Using the information given above identify the correct statements.

X and Y are the most distantly related organisms

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Y and Z are the least distantly related organisms.

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Y and Z are the least closely related organisms

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X and Z are the most closely related organisms.

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Solution

The correct options are
A X and Y are the most distantly related organisms
B Y and Z are the least distantly related organisms.

More the similarity in DNA sequences between two organisms, more are the two organisms closely related phylogenetically.

Since the percentage similarity between Y and Z is the greatest, it means that they are most closely related or least distantly related organisms.

The percentage similarity between X and Y is the least which means that they are most distantly related.

In the course of evolution, DNA accumulates changes and may give rise to new species. These changes in DNA adds more branches to the evolutionary tree of life and make the diversity among them unfathomable.

Molecular phylogeny is a branch of science which deals with the evolutionary relationships between organisms by studying and comparing molecules like DNA and proteins.

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