To determine which species is most closely related to Species Z, we need to examine the number of genetic differences between Species Z and each of the other species ([tex]$A, B, C,$[/tex] and [tex]$D$[/tex]). The species with the fewest genetic differences will be the most closely related to Species Z.
Here’s the table that summarizes the genetic differences:
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|}
\hline
\text{Species} & \# \text{ of genetic differences} \\
\hline
\text{Species A} & 12 \\
\hline
\text{Species B} & 3 \\
\hline
\text{Species C} & 14 \\
\hline
\text{Species D} & 28 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\][/tex]
Let's analyze the table:
- Species A has 12 genetic differences with Species Z.
- Species B has 3 genetic differences with Species Z.
- Species C has 14 genetic differences with Species Z.
- Species D has 28 genetic differences with Species Z.
The species with the fewest genetic differences is Species B, which has only 3 genetic differences with Species Z.
Therefore, Species B is the most closely related to Species Z.
