Question

The scientists analysed the DNA on the Y chromosome and the DNA in the mitochondria of the Swedish wolves. They concluded that the Swedish wolf population descended from one male wolf from Finland and one female wolf from Russia.Suggest why DNA in the mitochondria helped them to reach this conclusion.

Answer 1

The DNA in the mitochondria helped scientists to reach the conclusion about the Swedish wolf population because the mitochondria contains its own DNA that is passed down exclusively from the mother to the offspring.

Step-by-step explanation:

The DNA in the mitochondria helped scientists to reach the conclusion about the Swedish wolf population because the mitochondria contains its own DNA that is passed down exclusively from the mother to the offspring. This means that the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is inherited maternally and does not undergo recombination, making it a useful tool for studying maternal lineages and tracing ancestry.