To determine which species is most closely related to Species Z, we need to identify the species with the fewest genetic differences compared to Species Z.
The given table provides the number of genetic differences for four species when compared to Species Z:
[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]
Now, let's compare the genetic differences for each species:
1. Species A has 12 genetic differences from Species Z.
2. Species B has 3 genetic differences from Species Z.
3. Species C has 14 genetic differences from Species Z.
4. Species D has 28 genetic differences from Species Z.
To find the most closely related species, we are looking for the smallest number in the list of genetic differences:
- 12 (Species A)
- 3 (Species B)
- 14 (Species C)
- 28 (Species D)
The smallest number here is 3, which corresponds to Species B.
Therefore, Species B is the most closely related to Species Z.
