Asked by Courtney Bartz on Jun 02, 2024
Verified
The vertebrate fish group that most likely gave rise to the tetrapods is the ____.
A) ray-finned fishes
B) cartilaginous fishes
C) hagfishes
D) lampreys
E) lobe-finned fishes
Lobe-Finned Fishes
Fish species characterized by fleshy, lobed, paired fins, which are believed to be the ancestors of amphibians and other land vertebrates.
Tetrapods
Vertebrates with four limbs or limb-like appendages, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Ray-Finned Fishes
A diverse group of fishes known for their fins which are supported by long, bony rods arranged in a ray pattern.
- Recognize the evolutionary changes that allowed vertebrates to occupy a variety of environments.
- Familiarize oneself with the progression and development that connects fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Verified Answer
JC
jessica cisnerosJun 06, 2024
Final Answer :
E
Explanation :
Lobe-finned fishes, such as coelacanths and lungfishes, possess some characteristics that are similar to early tetrapods. They have muscular fins that are capable of supporting their weight, which is a trait that is essential for the evolution of tetrapod limbs. Additionally, the structure of their fins and some of their skeletal features are similar to those of early tetrapods, suggesting that lobe-finned fishes are the closest living relatives of tetrapods.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the evolutionary changes that allowed vertebrates to occupy a variety of environments.
- Familiarize oneself with the progression and development that connects fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.