Chapter 16, Problem 22A

Summary Introduction

To discuss: Importance of biochemical evidence in learning divergence of primate groups.

Introduction: Evolution is the change in traits of a species over generations, which is mainly dependent on the natural selection.

Explanation of Solution

The study of basic chemistry and processes which occurs in living cells is known as biochemistry. Scientists use biochemical characters such as amino acids, nucleotides, which helps them in determining the evolutionary relationships among species.

This helps scientists in learning divergence of primate groups as the biochemistry of the chromosomes is similar which shows that all primates on earth share a common ancestry.

Techniques such as DNA-DNA hybridization are used to compare the DNA of various species. In this technique, sequences of genetic code are read which help the scientist in determining the code responsible for each type of trait.

Conclusion

Divergent evolution is the result of change in abiotic factors like climate change or a new niche is formed.