Question

(What can best be inferred about the hind leg bones seen in whales?
The hind leg bones of the whales are fossil structures from an extinct
anceSOT
The hind leg bones of the whales are analogous structures to the fins of
living fish
The hind leg bones of the whales are homologous structures to the wings
of butterflies
D)
The hind leg bones of the whales are vestigial structures that had a
function in an extinct ancestor.​

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct option is D) The hind leg bones of the whales are vestigial structures that had a  function in an extinct ancestor.​

Explanation:

Vestigial structures can be described as structures or features which were once useful to the ancestor of a species but currently perform no function in the body of the organism. For example, the appendix of humans.

The hind leg bones of the whales determine that their ancestor might possess these bones for walking purposes. But as the current whales do not walk, hence these structures are vestigial for the current whales.

Answer 2

The statement 'the hind leg bones of the whales are vestigial structures that had a function in an extinct ancestor' can be inferred about the hind leg bones seen in whales (Option D).

• Vestigial structures are morphological or anatomical structures that served a specific function in an ancestor of a species.

• Vestigial structures can be considered as residual morphological parts from a past ancestor (e.g., the human appendix).

• Whales are aquatic descendants of land mammals, it is for that reason that leg bones represent vestigial structures in this species.

In conclusion, the statement 'the hind leg bones of the whales are vestigial structures that had a function in an extinct ancestor' can be inferred about the hind leg bones seen in whales (Option D).

Learn more about vestigial structures here:

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