When two lineages split from a common ancestor, each accumulates different mutations over long periods of time. The number of mutations is proportional to the length of time that the two groups have been genetically separate. A scientist studies corresponding genes in two species. Which data would be most useful for determining the time when the split from the common ancestor occurred? *

A) mutation rate and the number of mutations in each sequence

B) the number of repeated nucleotides and their specific locations in the two sequences
C
) mutation rate and the number of nucleotides in each sequence

D) mutation rate and the number of nucleotides that differ between the two sequences