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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains why the statement 'a monkey is more evolved than a mouse' is incorrect?
A
Only primates like monkeys undergo natural selection, while rodents like mice do not.
B
Evolution does not have a predetermined direction or goal; both monkeys and mice have evolved for the same amount of time from a common ancestor.
C
Monkeys have more complex brains, which means they are more evolved than mice.
D
Mice have not changed since their ancestors, while monkeys have evolved significantly.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of evolution: Evolution is a process of change in the genetic composition of populations over time. It does not imply progress toward a specific goal or direction, nor does it rank organisms as 'more' or 'less' evolved.
Recognize that all living organisms, including monkeys and mice, have been evolving for the same amount of time since their common ancestor. Evolution is not a race or hierarchy; it is a branching process where different species adapt to their environments in unique ways.
Clarify that natural selection acts on all organisms, not just primates like monkeys. Rodents, including mice, also undergo natural selection, which shapes their traits based on environmental pressures.
Address the misconception about brain complexity: While monkeys may have more complex brains than mice, this does not mean they are 'more evolved.' Evolution is about adaptation to specific environments, not about achieving complexity.
Explain that the idea that mice have not changed since their ancestors is incorrect. Both mice and monkeys have undergone significant evolutionary changes, but these changes are adaptations to their respective environments rather than indicators of being 'more' or 'less' evolved.