Question

MtDNA analysis supports the _________ model, however, because mtDNA is effectively ________ (and maternally inherited), we need independent estimates of the __________

mtDNA may be estimating the split to be too _____; populations connected by gene flow may ____________

Answer 1

mtDNA analysis supports genetic divergence, but independent estimates are needed. mtDNA may be too narrow in estimating genetic divergence due to gene flow between populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

Molecular anthropologists use mtDNA analysis to study when human populations began diverging from each other. mtDNA is passed on maternally and does not undergo recombination, allowing for the estimation of genetic divergence. However, because mtDNA is effectively uniparentally inherited, it is necessary to use independent estimates to validate the results. mtDNA may provide a narrow estimation of genetic divergence, as populations connected by gene flow can have similar mtDNA.