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

(1 point)
Responses

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.

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

Each animal independently evolved this trait. 

I choose A

1 answer

Your choice, "These animals descended from a common ancestor," is indeed the most accurate conclusion based on the observation that humans, mice, and giraffes all have seven vertebrae in their necks. This similarity suggests a shared evolutionary lineage, as having the same number of neck vertebrae points to a common genetic heritage.

The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of this observation:

  • "All vertebrates have seven vertebrae in their necks" is incorrect, as many other vertebrates have different numbers of neck vertebrae.
  • "Humans, mice, and giraffes have the same number of bones" is misleading, as it only refers to neck vertebrae and ignores the total bone count.
  • "Each animal independently evolved this trait" contradicts the principle of common descent in evolutionary biology.

So, your answer (A) is the best selection.