How does molecular biology help in understanding evolutionary relationships?

Molecular biology provides a powerful tool for understanding evolutionary relationships through the examination of DNA base sequences across species. This approach allows scientists to analyze the genetic material that underlies all biological functions and traits, offering a more precise measure of relatedness than physical traits or behaviors alone.

When comparing DNA sequences, researchers can identify similarities and differences that indicate how closely related different organisms are. For example, species that share a high percentage of identical DNA sequences are typically more closely related than those with significant differences. This molecular evidence can reveal evolutionary relationships that may not be obvious through morphological comparisons, especially in cases where physical similarities arise due to convergent evolution rather than shared ancestry.

Additionally, molecular techniques can lead to insights into the timing of evolutionary events, enabling researchers to construct phylogenetic trees that visually represent these relationships. By focusing on genetic information, molecular biology provides a clearer and more detailed understanding of the evolutionary history of species, which is crucial for studies in speciation and biodiversity.