Humans, mice, and giraffes have seven vertebrae in their necks. What can scientists conclude from this observation?

Question

(1 point)
Responses

Humans, mice, and giraffes have the same number of bones.
Humans, mice, and giraffes have the same number of bones.

These animals descended from a common ancestor.
These animals descended from a common ancestor.

All vertebrates have seven vertebrae in their necks.
All vertebrates have seven vertebrae in their necks.

Each animal independently evolved this trait.

Answer 1

The most valid conclusion from the observation that humans, mice, and giraffes all have seven vertebrae in their necks is:

These animals descended from a common ancestor.

This conclusion is supported by the principle of shared characteristics due to evolutionary relationships. The fact that such diverse species share this trait suggests a common ancestral trait rather than independent evolution or a generalization to all vertebrates.