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Multiple Choice
Which amniote group is now included among the reptiles according to modern taxonomy?
A
Fish
B
Amphibians
C
Birds (Aves)
D
Mammals
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the term 'amniote.' Amniotes are a group of vertebrates that have an amnion during embryonic development, which includes reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Step 2: Recognize that modern taxonomy uses phylogenetic classification, which groups organisms based on evolutionary relationships rather than traditional categories.
Step 3: Learn that reptiles, in modern taxonomy, include not only traditional reptiles (like lizards, snakes, and turtles) but also birds (Aves), as birds are descended from theropod dinosaurs, which are reptiles.
Step 4: Note that mammals are not included among reptiles because they evolved separately from a different group of amniotes called synapsids, whereas reptiles and birds belong to the diapsid lineage.
Step 5: Conclude that birds (Aves) are now classified as part of the reptile group in modern taxonomy due to their evolutionary lineage.