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Multiple Choice
When did birds and crocodiles last share a common ancestor?
A
During the Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago
B
During the Devonian period, approximately 400 million years ago
C
During the Cretaceous period, approximately 65 million years ago
D
During the Triassic period, approximately 240 million years ago
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the evolutionary relationship between birds and crocodiles. Both belong to the clade Archosauria, which includes dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and modern reptiles like crocodiles and birds.
Step 2: Recognize that the common ancestor of birds and crocodiles existed during the Triassic period, approximately 240 million years ago. This was a time when early archosaurs diversified into various lineages.
Step 3: Note that birds evolved from theropod dinosaurs, which are part of the Archosauria clade, while crocodiles evolved from a different lineage within Archosauria.
Step 4: Eliminate the incorrect options by understanding the timeline of Earth's history: The Jurassic period (150 million years ago) and Cretaceous period (65 million years ago) are too recent, while the Devonian period (400 million years ago) predates the emergence of archosaurs.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the Triassic period, approximately 240 million years ago, based on fossil evidence and phylogenetic studies of Archosauria.