Question

Transitions occur _______ frequently than transversions; thus using transitions, as opposed to transversions, will be more useful for reconstructing phylogenetic relationships between _______ organisms. more; closely related less; extinct more; extinct less; closely related more; distantly related

Answer 1

The correct answer would be more; closely related.

A transition refers to a point mutation in which a purine is converted into another purine (A↔G) or a pyrimidine is converted into another pyrimidine (T↔C).

In contrast, the transversion refers to a point mutation in which a purine is converted into pyrimidine or vice versa.

A transition is more common in nature as the conversion or exchange between similar nucleotide is easier as compared to the exchange between different types of nucleotide.

As they occur more frequently they would be more helpful in making phylogenetic trees between closely related organisms.

Answer 2

Transition occurs MORE frequently than transversion, thus, ......................... phylogenetic relationship between DISTANTLY RELATED ORGANISM.
Phylogenetic trees are used to decipher the relationships between living organisms and their ancestors. In building phylogenetic tree, transition is considered to be more dependable than transversion.