How is DNA sequencing useful in determining evolutionary relationships?

DNA sequencing is a powerful tool for determining evolutionary relationships among species because it involves analyzing the genetic material that encodes the information for various traits and functions. When researchers sequence the DNA of different organisms, they can identify mutations—changes in the nucleotide sequence that can occur over generations.

These mutations can provide insights into how closely related different species are. For example, if two species share a high degree of genetic similarity, it suggests that they have a more recent common ancestor compared to species that show significant genetic divergence. By examining the specific differences in DNA sequences—such as point mutations, insertions, or deletions—scientists can construct phylogenetic trees that illustrate the evolutionary pathways taken by these organisms.

In contrast, other methods mentioned, like measuring protein synthesis rates, comparing metabolic pathways, or counting chromosomal pairs, do not directly reflect the genetic changes that occur over time and may correlate less clearly with evolutionary distances. Therefore, analyzing mutation differences through DNA sequencing provides a clearer and more precise understanding of evolutionary relationships.