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1.7 use available evidence to analyse, using a named example, how advances in technology have changed scientific thinking about evolutionary relationships

use available evidence to analyse, using a named example, how advances in technology have changed scientific thinking about evolutionary relationships

Sample information

Until the 1950s, the relationships between organisms were worked out by similarities in anatomical features. At this time, it became possible to analyse protein sequence data and DNA sequence data. Proteins, such as haemoglobin, could now be compared and similarities worked out based on biochemical similarity. If the rate of change is approximated, it is possible to work out a molecular clock that estimates the time since two organisms shared a common ancestor.