Which pair of living organisms are likely to have evolved from the same ancestor?
a
fish and fungi
b
fish and birds
c
birds and amoebae
d
fungi and amoebae
The correct answer is d) fungi and amoebae. Fungi and amoebae are both eukaryotic organisms and share a common ancestor in the eukaryotic lineage. Fish and birds belong to different lineages (fish belong to the vertebrates while birds belong to the avian group), and birds and amoebae are not closely related.
To determine which pair of living organisms are likely to have evolved from the same ancestor, we need to consider their evolutionary history and the presence of common traits or genetic similarities. One way to approach this question is by examining the classification and evolutionary relationships between these organisms.
In this case, the most likely pair of organisms that could have evolved from the same ancestor is option b: fish and birds. Fish and birds are both vertebrates, which means they possess a backbone, and they belong to the same phylum, Chordata. This indicates a closer evolutionary relationship as compared to the other options.
To further support this, consider that fish and birds exhibit certain similar characteristics such as bilateral symmetry, specialized appendages for locomotion (fins and wings respectively), and a closed circulatory system. These shared characteristics suggest a common ancestor.
On the other hand, options a, c, and d are less likely. Fish and fungi belong to different kingdoms (Animalia and Fungi) and have distinct characteristics and genetic makeup, making them unlikely to share a recent common ancestor. Similarly, birds and amoebae (option c) and fungi and amoebae (option d) belong to different kingdoms (Birds - Animalia, Amoebae - Protista, Fungi - Fungi) and exhibit different structural and genetic traits.
Therefore, based on the evidence, the most likely pair of living organisms to have evolved from the same ancestor is fish and birds.