A molecule that can be used as a molecular clock has a neutral mutation rate of one mutation per 5 million years. How many years ago did two species share a common ancestor if the molecules found in these two species differ by a total of eight mutations?
-1.5 million years
-10 million years
-40 million years
-20 million years
I think that it is 10 million, but im not sure if thats right thank you so much

Question

A molecule that can be used as a molecular clock has a neutral mutation rate of one mutation per 5 million years. How many years ago did two species share a common ancestor if the molecules found in these two species differ by a total of eight mutations?
-1.5 million years 
-10 million years 
-40 million years 
-20 million years 
I think that it is 10 million, but im not sure if thats right thank you so much

neonumbrella5115 · Answer

What do you think?

gebooors · Answer

Note, that There has happened
four mutations in both species.