The Exciting Genetic Similarity Between Yellow Perch and Walleye

Why would yellow perch DNA be closer to walleye DNA?

Yellow perch DNA would be closer to walleye DNA because they are both in the same category of species of fish. Their genetic make-up would be very similar since they are more closely related to each other than to deer. Why?

Yellow perch DNA is closer to walleye DNA because...

Yellow perch DNA is closer to walleye DNA because both species are phylogenetically more related compared to other species.

Two phylogenetically close species have similar DNA sequences because the linear order of nucleotides determines evolutionary relationships.

  • In this case, land mammals are evolutionary far away from these fish.
  • It is for that reason that the DNA sequence evidences evolutionary relationships between species.

In conclusion, yellow perch DNA is closer to walleye DNA because both species are phylogenetically more related compared to other species.

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