Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of a derived trait in the context of natural selection and evolution?
A
The presence of scales in reptiles
B
The presence of gills in amphibians
C
The presence of feathers in birds
D
The presence of lungs in fish
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of derived traits: Derived traits are characteristics that have evolved in a particular lineage, distinguishing it from its ancestors. These traits are not present in the ancestral form but have developed over time due to evolutionary processes.
Identify the ancestral traits: In the context of evolution, ancestral traits are those that are shared with the common ancestor of a group. For example, scales in reptiles and gills in amphibians are ancestral traits because they are present in the common ancestors of these groups.
Examine the options given: Look at each trait and determine whether it is ancestral or derived. Scales in reptiles and gills in amphibians are ancestral traits, as they are present in the common ancestors of these groups.
Focus on the derived trait: Feathers in birds are considered a derived trait because they evolved in the lineage leading to birds, distinguishing them from their reptilian ancestors who did not have feathers.
Consider the evolutionary significance: Derived traits like feathers in birds often provide adaptive advantages, such as improved flight capabilities, which can enhance survival and reproduction, playing a crucial role in natural selection.