When comparing the sequences of a homologous gene in four different species, one pair of species shows a 1% difference, whereas the other pair shows a 3% difference. Which pair diverged longer ago from their common ancestor and why?

The pair with a 3% difference; a larger difference (3% instead of 1%) indicates that there has been more time to accumulate mutations

Explanation:

d.) then bernice winced as marjorie tossed her own hair over her shoulders and began to twist it slowly into two long blond braids until in her cream-colored negligée she looked like a delicate painting of some saxon princess. fascinated, bernice watched the braids grow. heavy and luxurious they were, moving under the supple fingers like restive snakes—and to bernice remained this relic and the curling iron and a to-morrow full of eyes.

i think that it is letter d.