Multiple Choice
How might changes to Hox genes have contributed to the Cambrian explosion?
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21. Evolution
Introduction to Evolution and Natural Selection
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What did the discovery of Tiktaalik reveal about vertebrate evolution that was previously unknown?
A
It proved that mammals and reptiles share a more recent common ancestor than previously thought.
B
It demonstrated that feathers evolved before limbs in vertebrates.
C
It showed that vertebrates first evolved in marine environments during the Jurassic period.
D
It provided evidence of a transitional form with both fish and tetrapod characteristics, showing how vertebrates adapted to life on land.
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the significance of Tiktaalik in the context of vertebrate evolution. Tiktaalik is a fossil species discovered in 2004 that represents a transitional form between fish and tetrapods (four-limbed vertebrates). It provides critical evidence for how vertebrates adapted to life on land.
Step 2: Examine the anatomical features of Tiktaalik. It possesses characteristics of both fish (such as fins and scales) and tetrapods (such as a flat head, neck, and limb-like structures). These features suggest it was capable of both swimming in water and supporting itself in shallow environments.
Step 3: Consider the evolutionary implications of Tiktaalik's discovery. It bridges the gap between aquatic vertebrates and terrestrial tetrapods, showing how adaptations like limb-like fins and a mobile neck evolved to facilitate movement and survival in terrestrial environments.
Step 4: Compare Tiktaalik's discovery to previous assumptions about vertebrate evolution. Before Tiktaalik, the transition from water to land was less well understood. Tiktaalik provided concrete evidence of intermediate forms, clarifying how vertebrates gradually adapted to terrestrial life.
Step 5: Conclude by recognizing Tiktaalik's role in illustrating the evolutionary process. Its discovery highlights the gradual nature of evolutionary change and provides a clearer picture of how vertebrates transitioned from aquatic to terrestrial habitats.
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