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Multiple Choice
Which of the following groups evolved after reptiles in the history of life?
A
Insects
B
Fishes
C
Amphibians
D
Birds
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the evolutionary timeline: Reptiles evolved during the Carboniferous period, and birds evolved later from a group of theropod dinosaurs during the Mesozoic era (specifically the Jurassic period).
Review the evolutionary relationships: Birds are considered a subgroup of reptiles because they share a common ancestor with dinosaurs, which are classified as reptiles.
Compare the other groups: Insects, fishes, and amphibians all evolved before reptiles. Fishes were the first vertebrates to evolve, followed by amphibians, which evolved from fish-like ancestors. Insects also appeared before reptiles in the evolutionary timeline.
Identify the group that evolved after reptiles: Birds are the only group in the list that evolved after reptiles, as they are descendants of theropod dinosaurs.
Conclude that birds are the correct answer based on their evolutionary origin and timeline.