What indicates that species have a shared evolutionary ancestor?

What indicates that species have a shared evolutionary ancestor?

• A. Genetic Drift
• B. Common Anatomy
• C. Geographic Isolation
• D. Natural Selection

Answer: (B)

The presence of common anatomy among species indicates that they have a shared evolutionary ancestor. This concept is rooted in comparative anatomy, which examines similarities and differences in the physical structures of different organisms. When species share similar anatomical features, particularly in their skeletal or organ structures, it often points to a common lineage from which they have diverged over time. These similar anatomical traits are typically a result of descent from a common ancestor, which adapted to different environments and evolved into various distinct species through the process of natural selection. For example, the forelimbs of mammals such as whales, bats, and humans exhibit a similar bone structure, signifying that these diverse species share an evolutionary ancestor that possessed that particular limb morphology. This understanding of anatomy provides strong evidence in the field of evolutionary biology, as it helps to reconstruct evolutionary relationships and understand how species have evolved and adapted over millions of years.

The presence of common anatomy among species indicates that they have a shared evolutionary ancestor. This concept is rooted in comparative anatomy, which examines similarities and differences in the physical structures of different organisms. When species share similar anatomical features, particularly in their skeletal or organ structures, it often points to a common lineage from which they have diverged over time.

These similar anatomical traits are typically a result of descent from a common ancestor, which adapted to different environments and evolved into various distinct species through the process of natural selection. For example, the forelimbs of mammals such as whales, bats, and humans exhibit a similar bone structure, signifying that these diverse species share an evolutionary ancestor that possessed that particular limb morphology.

This understanding of anatomy provides strong evidence in the field of evolutionary biology, as it helps to reconstruct evolutionary relationships and understand how species have evolved and adapted over millions of years.