Question

The best evidence for a common origin of all life is ______.

Options

• comparative anatomy

• comparative embryology

• biogeography

• molecular biology

Answer 1

The best evidence for a common origin of all life is molecular biology.

Explanation:

Molecular biology provides the strongest evidence for a common origin because it reveals fundamental similarities in the biochemical processes and genetic material across all living organisms. For example, the universal genetic code, conserved sequences in DNA, RNA, and proteins like cytochrome c, and similarities in metabolic pathways indicate that all life shares a common ancestor. These molecular similarities are more precise and quantifiable evidence of common descent than anatomical or embryological comparisons alone.