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Multiple Choice
Which of the following provides the strongest evidence for the common ancestry of all life on Earth?
A
Presence of wings in both birds and insects
B
Ability of some animals to camouflage
C
Similarities in dietary habits among mammals
D
The universal genetic code (DNA and RNA)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of common ancestry: Common ancestry refers to the idea that all living organisms share a single ancestral origin. Evidence for this is found in traits or features that are universal across all forms of life.
Recognize the universal genetic code: The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in DNA or RNA is translated into proteins. This code is nearly identical across all known organisms, from bacteria to humans, which strongly supports the idea of a shared ancestry.
Compare the options provided: Evaluate each option to determine whether it is universal across all life forms. For example, wings in birds and insects are not universal, as many organisms lack wings. Camouflage is specific to certain animals and not universal. Dietary habits vary widely among mammals and are not shared by all life forms.
Identify the strongest evidence: The universal genetic code is the strongest evidence because it is shared by all living organisms, regardless of their complexity or environment. This universality suggests that all life forms inherited this feature from a common ancestor.
Conclude the reasoning: The presence of the universal genetic code in all organisms is a fundamental and unifying characteristic of life, making it the strongest evidence for the common ancestry of all life on Earth.