DNA sequences in many human genes are very similar to the sequences of corresponding genes in chimpanzees. The most likely explanation for this result is that:

Options

A. Humans and chimpanzees share a relatively recent common ancestor.
B. Humans evolved from chimpanzees.
C. Chimpanzees evolved from humans
D. Humans and chimpanzees are not closely related.

Answer

To solve the question regarding the similarity of DNA sequences between humans and chimpanzees, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question states that DNA sequences in many human genes are very similar to the sequences of corresponding genes in chimpanzees. We need to determine the most likely explanation for this similarity.

2. **Analyzing the Options**:
- **Option A**: Humans and chimpanzees share a relatively recent common ancestor.
- **Option B**: Humans evolved from chimpanzees.
- **Option C**: Chimpanzees evolved from humans.
- **Option D**: Humans and chimpanzees are not closely related.

3. **Evaluating Each Option**:
- **Option A**: This option suggests that both species evolved from a common ancestor, which is supported by genetic evidence showing a high percentage of DNA similarity (approximately 98.6%).
- **Option B**: This option implies that humans directly evolved from chimpanzees, which is incorrect. Humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor but did not evolve directly from one another.
- **Option C**: This option suggests that chimpanzees evolved from humans, which is also incorrect. Evolution does not work in reverse; both species have evolved separately from a common ancestor.
- **Option D**: This option states that humans and chimpanzees are not closely related, which contradicts the evidence of their genetic similarity.

4. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the most accurate explanation is **Option A**: Humans and chimpanzees share a relatively recent common ancestor. This explains the high similarity in their DNA sequences.

### Final Answer:
The most likely explanation for the similarity in DNA sequences between humans and chimpanzees is that humans and chimpanzees share a relatively recent common ancestor.

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