Question

What is a limitation of an evolutionary tree diagram constructed using DNA or protein sequence data?

Short answer

The limitation of an evolutionary tree diagram constructed using DNA or protein sequence data is the inability to represent horizontal gene transfer and instances of convergent evolution.

Step-by-step solution

Main Limitation

One of the primary limitations of constructing an evolutionary tree diagram using DNA or protein sequence data is that these diagrams can only show lines of descent. It means they are unable to capture horizontal gene transfer (HGT), which is the transfer of genes between organisms in a manner other than traditional reproduction. This limitation is particularly significant with microorganisms like bacteria and archaea, for which HGT is a major source of genetic variation. Also, these diagrams might not accurately represent organisms that have identical sequences but diverged from a common ancestor long ago. They may have evolved identical sequences independently, a phenomenon known as convergent evolution.