cientists examine fossils from three different animals. They determine that all three animals share similar structures and record their observations as follows:

Question

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

B, A, C
B, A, C

A, B, C
A, B, C

C, B, A
C, B, A

A, C, B
A, C, B
Skip to navigation

Answer 1

Based on the observations made by the scientists:

• 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.

Since A and C are very similar, it suggests they are more closely related. Additionally, since both A and B have some similarities, but B and C have very similar structures, it implies that B is more closely related to C than A.

From this reasoning, the most logical order for the fossil record, going from the most primitive to the most derived or advanced is:

C, B, A

Thus, the most reasonable response is:

C, B, A.