Final Answer:
1. Scientists compare DNA sequences to find similarities and differences in genes, which reflect shared ancestry and evolutionary relationships.
2. DNA sequences are used because they provide detailed, objective data about genetic changes over time; more similar sequences suggest closer evolutionary relationships.
3. One advantage is that DNA comparisons can reveal relationships even when organisms look very different (e.g., due to convergent evolution) or when physical traits are missing (e.g., in fossils).
4. [Student draws a simple tree showing chimpanzee, gorilla, human, and orangutan with branching order: orangutan first, then gorilla, then chimpanzee and human as closest relatives.]
5. BLAST (Basic Local Alignment Search Tool) helps identify similar DNA sequences across species, allowing scientists to build accurate phylogenetic trees by finding homologous genes and measuring genetic distance.
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Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of phylogenetic tree worksheet answers.
