Algebra for Evolution

[SkepticalScience]

I recently read a scientist mentioning that within 50 years or so, it will be pretty cheap to figure out the entire genome of any living entity.

He went on to say, that this would mean, we could take any two animals, extract their genomes, and calculate how long ago they had a common ancestor.

How is that possible?

Is there some genomic algebra or something?

I'd love to know how that works. . . if anyone can give me a quick idea, or a link that describes it better, that would appreciated.

Thanks!
SS

 

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

There are various ways to home in on a common ancestor. One involves analysis of mitochrondrial DNA. Or you can analyze the common DNA between multiple species:

http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/en/genome/thegenome/hg01n017.html

~~ Paul

 

[Xeriar]

It's pretty difficult to do between any two species, but if you have a few other offshoots to use as a reference point, you can make some very educated guesses about which differences in the genome were the result of whose mutation.

 

[Soapy Sam]

As we gather more data , we should learn how fast various evolutionary clocks "tick". I'd think after 50 years* we will know vastly more about historical relatedness.
* (Assumes no general collapse of civilisation. Terms & conditions apply.)