Let's determine how closely related Species Z is to each of the four other species (A, B, C, and D) based on the number of genetic differences.
Given the table:
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|}
\hline
Species & \# \text{ of genetic differences} \\
\hline
\text{Species A} & 12 \\
\hline
\text{Species B} & 3 \\
\hline
\text{Species C} & 14 \\
\hline
\text{Species D} & 28 \\
\hline
\end{array}
\][/tex]
We are looking for the species with the fewest genetic differences to determine which one is most closely related to Species Z.
Let's list the number of genetic differences for each species:
- Species A: 12 genetic differences
- Species B: 3 genetic differences
- Species C: 14 genetic differences
- Species D: 28 genetic differences
Next, we compare these values to find the minimum:
- 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.
Thus, the species that is most closely related to Species Z is:
Species B
