Questions: Which of the following information provides the strongest evidence to support the evolutionary relatedness between fungi and animals? Multiple Choice Both are heterotrophic. They both possess a cell wall made of chitin. Some fungi and animals have flagella. Molecular data shows a similarity in DNA/RNA base sequences.

The answer is the fourth one: Molecular data shows a similarity in DNA/RNA base sequences.

Explanation for each option:

1. Both are heterotrophic: While it is true that both fungi and animals are heterotrophic (they obtain their food from external sources), this trait is not unique to these two groups and can be found in many other organisms. Therefore, it does not provide strong evidence for their evolutionary relatedness.

2. They both possess a cell wall made of chitin: This statement is incorrect. While fungi do have cell walls made of chitin, animals do not have cell walls at all. This option is factually incorrect and thus cannot support the evolutionary relatedness between fungi and animals.

3. Some fungi and animals have flagella: The presence of flagella in some fungi and animals is a shared trait, but flagella are also found in many other organisms, including bacteria and protists. This trait alone is not strong evidence of a close evolutionary relationship.

4. Molecular data shows a similarity in DNA/RNA base sequences: This option provides the strongest evidence for evolutionary relatedness. Molecular data, such as similarities in DNA and RNA sequences, can reveal the genetic connections between different organisms. These similarities are often used to construct phylogenetic trees and determine evolutionary relationships. The genetic code is highly conserved, and similarities in DNA/RNA sequences are strong indicators of common ancestry.

Summary: The strongest evidence to support the evolutionary relatedness between fungi and animals is the similarity in DNA/RNA base sequences, as molecular data provides a precise and reliable method for determining evolutionary relationships.