Stated Clearly | DNA and Evolution @StatedClearly | Uploaded 2 months ago | Updated 11 hours ago
patreon.com/statedclearly
Full video "What is the Evidence for Evolution?" youtu.be/lIEoO5KdPvg?si=wUcr323hf3zD0JUD
DNA is used to determine how closely individuals are related by comparing specific segments of their genetic material. Since mutations happen every generation and since DNA is inherited, close relatives share more identical DNA sequences than distantly related individuals. This method is fundamental in paternity tests and for constructing evolutionary trees.
DNA TESTS IN COURT OF LAW
In paternity testing, the child's DNA is compared with the DNA of the alleged father. Certain regions of DNA, known as short tandem repeats (STRs), are highly variable among individuals and are examined because they provide a distinctive genetic fingerprint. By looking at these STRs, scientists can determine if the child inherits specific DNA sequences from the alleged father. If the sequences in these regions match significantly, the likelihood of paternity increases.
DNA TESTS IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Evolutionary trees, or phylogenies, are constructed using similar principles but on a broader scale involving more distant relationships. Scientists compare DNA sequences from different species to establish how closely they are related.
By aligning the DNA sequences of various organisms and calculating the genetic distances between them, researchers can infer the evolutionary history and relationships. This approach helps construct a branching diagram, showing the lineage relationships and divergence times between species.
Both applications use the principle that genetic similarity correlates with relatedness, whether looking into family relationships or exploring the tree of life.
patreon.com/statedclearly
Full video "What is the Evidence for Evolution?" youtu.be/lIEoO5KdPvg?si=wUcr323hf3zD0JUD
DNA is used to determine how closely individuals are related by comparing specific segments of their genetic material. Since mutations happen every generation and since DNA is inherited, close relatives share more identical DNA sequences than distantly related individuals. This method is fundamental in paternity tests and for constructing evolutionary trees.
DNA TESTS IN COURT OF LAW
In paternity testing, the child's DNA is compared with the DNA of the alleged father. Certain regions of DNA, known as short tandem repeats (STRs), are highly variable among individuals and are examined because they provide a distinctive genetic fingerprint. By looking at these STRs, scientists can determine if the child inherits specific DNA sequences from the alleged father. If the sequences in these regions match significantly, the likelihood of paternity increases.
DNA TESTS IN EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Evolutionary trees, or phylogenies, are constructed using similar principles but on a broader scale involving more distant relationships. Scientists compare DNA sequences from different species to establish how closely they are related.
By aligning the DNA sequences of various organisms and calculating the genetic distances between them, researchers can infer the evolutionary history and relationships. This approach helps construct a branching diagram, showing the lineage relationships and divergence times between species.
Both applications use the principle that genetic similarity correlates with relatedness, whether looking into family relationships or exploring the tree of life.
