Question

scientists compile many pieces of evidence to infer evolutionary relationships. here is one such piece of evidence.

the gene rna28s encodes some of the rna that forms a large part of the ribosome and works like an enzyme to help create peptide bonds. this table shows the number of nucleotides in rna28s that are identical between three different species: milkweeds, puffballs, and candlesnuff fungi.

the number of identical nucleotides in rna28s between pairs of species
milkweeds and puffballs | 562
candlesnuff fungi and milkweeds | 584
puffballs and candlesnuff fungi | 708

which claim is best supported by this evidence?

of the three species, milkweeds and puffballs are most closely related.

of the three species, puffballs and candlesnuff fungi are most closely related.

of the three species, candlesnuff fungi and milkweeds are most closely related.

Explanation:

To determine evolutionary relationships, more identical nucleotides in a shared gene (like RNA28S) suggest a closer relationship. The table shows: milkweeds - puffballs (562), candlesnuff fungi - milkweeds (584), puffballs - candlesnuff fungi (708). The highest number (708) is between puffballs and candlesnuff fungi, so they are most closely related.

Answer:

Of the three species, puffballs and candlesnuff fungi are most closely related.