Living Environment Regents Practice Test

What type of evidence is strongest for supporting a possible evolutionary relationship between two organisms?

1. Similarities in external appearance

2. Shared habitat and environment

3. Production of similar proteins

4. Presence of similar predators

The correct answer is: Production of similar proteins

The strongest evidence for supporting a possible evolutionary relationship between two organisms is found in the production of similar proteins. This is because proteins are essential molecules that perform a wide variety of functions in living organisms and are composed of long chains of amino acids determined by the genetic code. When two organisms produce similar proteins, it often indicates that they share a common ancestry and have maintained certain genetic traits over time. This molecular similarity can reveal a deeper evolutionary connection that is not always apparent through physical appearance or environmental factors. For instance, if two species have very similar proteins involved in crucial processes such as metabolism, immune response, or cellular structure, it suggests that they likely diverged from a common ancestor, preserving similar genetic instructions. This genetic evidence is generally more reliable for tracing evolutionary relationships than superficial traits, which may arise due to convergent evolution – where different species develop similar characteristics independent of common ancestry. Shared habitat and environment may influence the development of certain traits or behaviors, but they do not necessarily provide strong evidence of a genetic or evolutionary connection. Similarly, the presence of similar predators can affect survival strategies but does not imply a shared lineage. Therefore, the production of similar proteins serves as a more concrete indicator of the evolutionary relationship between organisms.