Which best describes how the front limbs of horses have changed over time?
A.They have gained additional toes.
B.The bones have become stronger.
C.The toes have reduced in number.
D.The bones have become shorter.
I think the answer is they have additional toes,but I don’t know that much can someone help me understand this,and also this is a winter break packet from science academy and I’m in 8th grade!
No, no, no. The ancestors of the horse came to walk only on the end of the third toe and both side toes. Skeletal remnants show obvious wear on the back of both sides of metacarpal and metatarsal bones, commonly called the "splint bones". They are the remnants of the second and the fourth toe. Modern horses retain the splint bones; they are often believed to be useless attachments, but they in fact play an important role in supporting the carpal joints (front knees) and even the tarsal joints (hocks)
It's great that you're seeking clarification. The correct answer in this case is C. The front limbs of horses have changed over time by reducing the number of toes.
In the past, horses' ancestors had multiple toes, known as "hoofed" or "ungulate" mammals. However, as horses evolved, their front limbs gradually adapted, resulting in a single toe. This single toe is more commonly known as a hoof. This reduction in the number of toes is an example of evolution and adaptation to better suit their environment and lifestyle.
This process, known as "hoof reduction," allowed horses to develop faster tread speeds and improved running abilities. The single toe, or hoof, provides more strength and greater stability for the horse. Therefore, option C, "The toes have reduced in number," best describes the changes in the front limbs of horses over time.
Remember, understanding the concepts and principles of evolution is important for your science studies. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
Sure! I'd be happy to help you understand the answer to the question.
The question is asking how the front limbs of horses have changed over time. Let's go through each option and see which one best describes these changes.
A. They have gained additional toes.
This statement is not accurate. Horses are known for having a single toe, which is called a hoof. They do not have additional toes.
B. The bones have become stronger.
This statement is partially true. Over time, horses' front limb bones have indeed become stronger. This adaptation has allowed them to support the increasing size and weight of their bodies.
C. The toes have reduced in number.
This statement is correct. Horses are descendants of animals that had multiple toes, but they have evolved to have only a single toe on each front limb. This adaptation is one of the key characteristics that distinguishes horses from their ancestors.
D. The bones have become shorter.
This statement is not accurate. The overall length of the bones in horse front limbs has changed very little over time. However, the proportions of the various bones may have changed to accommodate the development of a single toe.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer to the question is C. The toes have reduced in number.
It's great that you're working on your science packet during the winter break! Exploring and understanding these concepts will help you further develop your scientific knowledge. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!