Molecular clocks are used to estimate dates based on genetic divergence. Which option correctly places this concept?

• A. Radiometric dating
• B. Relative dating
• C. Molecular clocks
• D. Natural selection

Answer: (C)

Molecular clocks use the steady accumulation of genetic changes over time to estimate when lineages diverged. By comparing DNA sequences, counting the differences, and applying a mutation rate calibrated with fossils or known divergences, you can convert those genetic differences into an approximate time since the common ancestor split. This method is about dating evolutionary events based on DNA rather than dating rocks or ordering events. Radiometric dating relies on radioactive decay in rocks, relative dating orders events without exact ages, and natural selection explains how traits change in populations, not how to date divergence. So using genetic differences to infer timing is the best match.