Question

Read through the following observations.

1. Some snakes have pelvic bones that sometimes sprout protrusions called "pelvic spurs" which serve little purpose.
2. Paleontologists have found the remains of an extinct, aquatic, snake-like lizard with miniature vestigial forelimbs.
3. Whales and some dolphins are marine mammals with hip bones that serve no purpose.
4. A dolphin was found that developed small hind flippers.

Based on these observations, what generalization can you make about the evolution of these animals?

A). Whales and snakes have been evolving to be similar to walking animals.

B). Whales and snakes most likely evolved from snake-like marine lizards.

C). Whales are more closely related to snakes than to other marine mammals.

D). Whales and snakes must have evolved from four-legged animals.

Answer 1

Your answer is D). Whales and snakes must have evolved from four-legged animals.

Answer 2

Based on these observations, what generalization can you make about the evolution of these animals?

The answer is option D.

Whales and snakes must have evolved from four-legged animals.

The first whales evolved over 50 million years ago, and their ancestors were terrestrial.  These were typical land animals. Similarly, snakes were also found to be evolved from four legged lizards.