Q) Explain how neutral mutations may be used as molecular clock to date evolutionary events

Since neutral mutations do not confer selective advantages or disadvantages to the individuals, it is assumed the rate of such mutations are fixed at a relatively constant rate. If the ancestral fossil of a particular species is available, the rate of mutation could be determined.

Hence, neutral mutations could be used as a molecular clock to date evolutionary events. For example, by comparing the DNA sequences of two related species of birds, the number of genetic differences between them could be used to calculate the length of time that has elapsed since divergence occurred.