Question

How does the use of molecular data such as DNA and protein sequences compare to the use of anatomical evidence? what are the pros and cons of each type of evidence?

Answer 1

Sequence homology is useful to determine the evolutionary relationships between organisms. Similarly, the anatomical similarities can be analysed to indicate evolutionary links between organisms. However, when anatomical traits are compared, it is necessary to differentiate between homologies, caused by evolutionary relationships, and analogies (homoplasies), originated by convergent evolution.