Question 7 (1 point) Biochemical evidence for evolution is based on the concept that: all organisms share identical DNA molecules and identical proteins the more similar the DNA, the more closely two species are related present and extinct organisms share identical gene pools the more similar the DNA, the more distantly two species are related

The correct answer is: **the more similar the DNA, the more closely two species are related.**<br /><br />Here's why:<br /><br />* **Shared DNA and Proteins:** While all organisms share *some* fundamental DNA and protein structures (because of shared ancestry), they are not *identical*. Variations in these structures are what drive the diversity of life.<br /><br />* **Gene Pools:** Extinct organisms are no longer contributing to present-day gene pools. While we can sometimes extract DNA from extinct organisms, the concept of a shared gene pool applies to currently interbreeding populations.<br /><br />* **Distant vs. Close Relationship:** Similarity in DNA is a strong indicator of evolutionary relatedness. The more similar the DNA sequences, the more recently two species diverged from a common ancestor, indicating a closer relationship.<br />