Asked by Corinna Ragsdale on Jun 18, 2024
Verified
The phylogeny of tetrapods and reveals that
A) wrist bones emerged after the tetrapod lineage appeared in the fossil record.
B) the common ancestor of tetrapods and lobe-finned fish had stout, paddle-shaped fins.
C) when digits first emerged, every species had five or less.
D) none of the above
Tetrapods
Vertebrate animals with four limbs, or descent from such organisms, including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds.
Lobe-Finned Fish
A group of fish characterized by fleshy, lobed, paired fins, which are precursors to the limbs of land vertebrates.
Wrist Bones
The small bones that make up the human wrist, contributing to its complex range of motion and dexterity.
- Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of phylogenetic analysis and its importance in interpreting the history of evolution.
- Comprehend the principles behind monophyletic, paraphyletic, and polyphyletic categories in organism classification.
- Comprehend the role of the fossil record in affirming the theory of evolution by providing proof of gradual changes in characteristics.
Verified Answer
PC
PHYSIQUE CHIEFJun 23, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The common ancestor of tetrapods and lobe-finned fish indeed had stout, paddle-shaped fins, which is a key feature in the evolutionary transition from aquatic to terrestrial life. This characteristic is supported by fossil evidence and is a significant aspect of the phylogenetic relationship between these groups.
Learning Objectives
- Familiarize yourself with the mechanics of phylogenetic analysis and its importance in interpreting the history of evolution.
- Comprehend the principles behind monophyletic, paraphyletic, and polyphyletic categories in organism classification.
- Comprehend the role of the fossil record in affirming the theory of evolution by providing proof of gradual changes in characteristics.