Explanation
Correct answer: D.
Choice D is the best answer. The sentence presents the conclusion of Zhen Wang and colleagues’ 2016 study: Tibetan mastiffs are able to withstand hypoxic conditions due to their interbreeding with Tibetan wolves 24,000 years ago (which allowed the mastiffs to acquire the necessary genetic mutations).
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect. The sentence emphasizes a similarity between Tibetan mastiffs and Tibetan wolves; it doesn’t present the conclusions of the 2016 study.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect. The sentence emphasizes a similarity between the genes of Tibetan mastiffs and Tibetan wolves; it doesn’t present the conclusions of the 2016 study.
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect. The sentence misrepresents information from the notes by indicating that a mutation in mastiffs’ HBB gene prevents excess hemoglobin production; moreover, it doesn’t present the conclusions of the 2016 study.