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Are Dinosaurs Still With Us? Quick Check
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Question
Scientists examine fossils from three different animals. They determine that all three animals share similar structures and record their observations as follows:

Animal A and animal B have somewhat similar structures.
Animal A and animal C have very similar structures.
Animal B and animal C have very similar structures.
The scientists use the similarities to determine the order in which the fossils should appear in the fossil record. Based on the scientists’ observations, which order is the most reasonable?

(1 point)
Responses

A, B, C
A, B, C

B, A, C
B, A, C

A, C, B
A, C, B

C, B, A
C, B, A
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1 answer

Based on the observations provided:

  • Animal A and animal C have very similar structures.
  • Animal B and animal C have very similar structures.
  • Animal A and animal B have somewhat similar structures.

The strongest similarities are between Animal A and Animal C, as well as between Animal B and Animal C, suggesting that Animal C might be the most recent common ancestor of A and B.

Thus, it would be reasonable to suggest the order in the fossil record is C, A, B.

However, since this specific option is not listed among the provided responses, we consider the patterns:

  • Both A and B share some similarity with C.
  • Hence, A and B are likely to be derived from C.

From the choices given, the closest reasonable conclusion based on the provided observations would be:

C, A, B.

Please check if this option is available, as it seems to match the logical lineage derived from the similarities noted. If this response is not a choice, you may want to clarify or double-check the provided options.