How can DNA hybridization give a measure of genetic relatedness between species?

DNA hybridization measures genetic relatedness by comparing the degree of bonding between DNA strands from different species. When DNA from two species is mixed, the extent of hybridization—how well the strands bind together—reflects their genetic similarity. Closer related species will exhibit higher hybridization rates due to greater sequence homology, while more distantly related species will show lower rates. This method helps in constructing phylogenetic trees and understanding evolutionary relationships.