Most animals with backbones, vertebrates, have a similar body plan: skull, ribs, two pairs of limbs, tail. What does this suggest about vertebrates?

A. Vertebrates are the best designed organisms.

B. Vertebrates all adapted to similar environmental conditions.

C. Vertebrates all have similar lifestyles.

D. Vertebrates have been around longer than most other organisms.

E. Vertebrates are all related to a common ancestor.

Question

Elianna Ramirez

Biology

14 July, 16:10

Most animals with backbones, vertebrates, have a similar body plan: skull, ribs, two pairs of limbs, tail. What does this suggest about vertebrates?

A. Vertebrates are the best designed organisms.

B. Vertebrates all adapted to similar environmental conditions.

C. Vertebrates all have similar lifestyles.

D. Vertebrates have been around longer than most other organisms.

E. Vertebrates are all related to a common ancestor.

+4

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Chloe Case · Answer 1

The correct answer is E. Vertebrates are all related to a common ancestor

Explanation:

According to biology and evolution, organisms from different species but that share similarities in morphology (body structures) as well as in genetics often have a phylogenetic relationship which means they descend from the same organism or share a common ancestor. This applies to multiple taxonomical levels including classes such as mammals or birds as it has been proved each of this derived from a common ancestor. Therefore, the similarity in the body structure (morphology) in all mammals suggest vertebrates are related to a common ancestor and as they evolved from this, they share similarities not only in terms of morphology but also in genetics.