A genomic researcher is analyzing the genome of different species of raptors. She finds that a particular sequence in the Bald Eagle genome is identical to a sequence found in the Red Tailed Hawk, while most other sequences in those two genomes differ at many nucleotides. (The most recent common ancestor between Bald Eagles and Red Tailed Hawks was approximately 6.8 million years ago, which is plenty of time for mutation to generate DNA sequence variation.) Which of the following could explain the identical sequence in these otherwise differing genomes? a. The sequence encodes a protein critical for the production of feather color.
b. The sequence encodes a gene that is critical for life and cannot be easily mutated while retaining function.
c. The sequence is from an intron of a gene that encodes a protein in connective tissue.
d. None of these