Uses the steady rate of neutral mutations to estimate when lineages diverged.
If neutral substitutions accumulate at a roughly constant rate, the number of sequence differences between species indicates time since divergence once calibrated with fossils. Rates differ between genes and lineages, so relaxed clocks are used.
Uses the steady rate of neutral mutations to estimate when lineages diverged.
Molecular Clock is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Neutral Theory, Cambrian Explosion, Divergent Evolution.
Molecular clocks suggest humans and chimps diverged about 6 to 7 million years ago.
Work through the Beginner topics in Evolution first, such as Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin, then return to Molecular Clock. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
The closest topics to Molecular Clock are Neutral Theory, Cambrian Explosion, Divergent Evolution, Phylogenetic Trees. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Molecular Clock. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Molecular Clock: Uses the steady rate of neutral mutations to estimate when lineages diverged. Neutral Theory: Proposes that most molecular variation results from drift of selectively neutral mutations rather than selection. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Neutral Theory and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Proposes that most molecular variation results from drift of selectively neutral mutations rather than selection.
🦎 EvolutionA rapid diversification of animal body plans about 540 million years ago.
🦎 EvolutionRelated species become increasingly different as they adapt to separate environments.
🦎 EvolutionBranching diagrams that show inferred evolutionary relationships among species.
🦎 Evolution