To determine which species is most closely related to the moth species [tex]\( Z \)[/tex], we need to find the species with the smallest number of genetic differences compared to Species [tex]\( Z \)[/tex]. Let’s carefully examine the table given:
[tex]\[
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|}
\hline
Species & \# of genetic differences \\
\hline
Species A & 12 \\
\hline
Species B & 3 \\
\hline
Species C & 14 \\
\hline
Species D & 28 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\][/tex]
From the table:
- Species A has 12 genetic differences.
- Species B has 3 genetic differences.
- Species C has 14 genetic differences.
- Species D has 28 genetic differences.
The lower the number of genetic differences, the more closely related the species is to the moth species [tex]\( Z \)[/tex]. Therefore, we look for the smallest number in the [tex]\( \# of genetic differences \)[/tex] column.
Comparing the numbers:
- 12 (Species A)
- 3 (Species B)
- 14 (Species C)
- 28 (Species D)
The smallest number of genetic differences is 3, which corresponds to Species B. Hence, Species B is most closely related to the moth species [tex]\( Z \)[/tex].
In conclusion, the species most closely related to Species [tex]\( Z \)[/tex] is Species B.
