Coding Changes & Molecular Clocks Flashcards
1
Q
What are the advantages of molecular traits?
A
- Vast number
- Can detect difference between very closely related organisms
- Not affected by environment
- Number of mutations can be used to calibrate evolutionary time.
2
Q
What is the neutral theory of molecular evolution?
A
The genetic variation within species results from random genetic drift.
3
Q
What is a nonsense substitution?
A
Substitutions which prematurely terminate the gene.
