Question
Fossil evidence suggests that horse's physical structure began changing around 55 million years ago. Also, fossils of forest plants have been found near the first horse fossils, but mainly grassland fossils are found near later horse fossils.
Horse Fossils
Past to Present
Eahippus
Mesohippus
Mercyhippus
Plohippus
Equus
Which statement is the most logical conclusion based on this fossil evidence?
Body size in horses increased in response to environmental changes.
Modern horses are not structurally similar to ancient horses.
Leg length in horses did not change. Only skull sizes increased.
Body size in horses remained unchanged because its environment stayed the same.
Horse Fossils
Past to Present
Eahippus
Mesohippus
Mercyhippus
Plohippus
Equus
Which statement is the most logical conclusion based on this fossil evidence?
Body size in horses increased in response to environmental changes.
Modern horses are not structurally similar to ancient horses.
Leg length in horses did not change. Only skull sizes increased.
Body size in horses remained unchanged because its environment stayed the same.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The most logical conclusion based on the fossil evidence is: **Body size in horses increased in response to environmental changes.**
This conclusion is supported by the fact that early horse fossils are found alongside forest plant fossils, while later horse fossils are found with grassland fossils, indicating a shift in habitat. As horses adapted to changes in their environment, such as the transition from forests to grasslands, it is reasonable to infer that body size and structure also evolved to meet the demands of their new habitats.
This conclusion is supported by the fact that early horse fossils are found alongside forest plant fossils, while later horse fossils are found with grassland fossils, indicating a shift in habitat. As horses adapted to changes in their environment, such as the transition from forests to grasslands, it is reasonable to infer that body size and structure also evolved to meet the demands of their new habitats.