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Multiple Choice
Which of the following organisms belong to the lobe-fin clade?
A
Sharks
B
Rays
C
Coelacanths
D
Lampreys
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of clades: A clade is a group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all its descendants. The lobe-fin clade is a specific group within the vertebrates.
Identify the characteristics of the lobe-fin clade: Lobe-finned fishes are characterized by having fleshy, lobed, paired fins, which are joined to the body by a single bone. This is distinct from the ray-finned fishes, which have fins supported by bony or cartilaginous spines ('rays').
Recognize the members of the lobe-fin clade: The lobe-fin clade includes coelacanths and lungfishes, as well as tetrapods (land vertebrates). Coelacanths are a classic example of lobe-finned fishes.
Differentiate between the organisms listed: Sharks and rays are part of the cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes), which do not have lobed fins. Lampreys are jawless fishes and also do not belong to the lobe-fin clade.
Conclude which organism belongs to the lobe-fin clade: Based on the characteristics and classification, coelacanths are the organisms from the list that belong to the lobe-fin clade.