Which of the following statements is true regarding the evolutionary history of species?

The assertion that all species are related by a common ancestry is foundational to the theory of evolution. This concept is rooted in the idea that all living organisms share a common ancestor at some point in the distant past. Over time, through mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation, species have diverged and evolved into the diverse forms we see today. This common ancestry is supported by various lines of evidence, including comparative anatomy, molecular biology, and the fossil record.

By recognizing the connections between species, we can better understand biodiversity and the evolutionary processes that shape it. The relationships among species can be visualized using phylogenetic trees, which illustrate how different lineages have branched out over time from shared ancestors.

In contrast, the other statements lack scientific support. The idea that no species is related to any other species disregards extensive evidence of evolutionary relationships. Similarly, the notion that species evolve independently without influences ignores the impact of environmental factors and interactions among species. Finally, stating that evolution does not play a role in population dynamics overlooks the fundamental ways in which evolution influences survival, reproduction, and adaptation within populations over time.