Humans, mice, and giraffes have seven vertebrae in their necks. What can scientists conclude from this observation?
a
All vertebrates have seven vertebrae in their necks
b
Each animal independently evolved this trait.
c
These animals descended from a common ancestor.
d
Humans, mice, and giraffes have the same number of bones.
c. These animals descended from a common ancestor.
Which of the following is most chemically like Selenium (Se)?(1 point)
Responses
Sodium (Na)
Oxygen (O)
Bromine (Br)
AI
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To determine which option is the most likely conclusion, scientists rely on evidence from various fields such as anatomy, paleontology, genetics, and evolutionary biology. In this case, the observation that humans, mice, and giraffes all have seven vertebrae in their necks can lead to different hypotheses. Let's break down the options:
a) All vertebrates have seven vertebrae in their necks: This statement may seem too generalized. While it's true that some vertebrate species have a similar number of neck vertebrae, it does not apply to all vertebrates. Whales, for example, have a varying number of neck vertebrae, as do some reptiles and birds. Therefore, option a is not the best conclusion.
b) Each animal independently evolved this trait: This option suggests that the number of neck vertebrae evolved independently in each species. However, the chances of such a specific trait evolving identically in multiple species independently are relatively low, making it less likely.
c) These animals descended from a common ancestor: This option suggests that the shared trait of having seven neck vertebrae in humans, mice, and giraffes is due to their shared ancestry. If these species inherited this characteristic from a common ancestor, it would explain why they share this trait today. Therefore, option c is the most likely conclusion based on this observation.
d) Humans, mice, and giraffes have the same number of bones: This option is unrelated to the observation of the number of vertebrae in their necks. While it is true that humans, mice, and giraffes all have roughly the same number of bones in their respective skeletons, it does not directly relate to the number of vertebrae in their necks. Therefore, option d is not the best conclusion based on this specific observation.
In summary, based on the observation that humans, mice, and giraffes have seven vertebrae in their necks, the most likely conclusion for scientists is that these animals descended from a common ancestor (option c). However, it's important to note that further research and evidence would be necessary to confirm this conclusion.