Chimpanzees, Gorillas, and Orangutans Have DNA Sequences That Are Almost

Multiple Choice

Chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans have DNA sequences that are almost identical to those of humans; however, these genes are found on 24 pairs of chromosomes in apes, while humans have 23 pairs. The C2 chromosome in humans is a large chromosome with similar banding pattern and DNA sequences to two smaller chromosomes in apes (C2 and C4) . In addition it appears to have both a vestigial second centromere and telomere sequences in the middle of the strand.
-What could explain these observations?

A) The human ancestor originally had 24 pairs but complete fusion of C2 and C4 occurred, reducing the total number of chromosomes.
B) A nondisjunction event must have occurred in the human ancestor, increasing the overall ploidy.
C) The loss of a chromosome is due to a deletion event in the human ancestor.
D) C2 must have undergone an inversion with C4.
E) There is not enough information to speculate.