Species X is an extinct animal. A scientist has discovered fossils of species X and compared them to species Y, a living animal that inhabits the same area where the fossils were found. The scientist has noted that the two animals share several physical characteristics.
What can the scientist most likely conclude about the two types of animals?
The scientist can most likely conclude that the two types of animals, species X and species Y, are closely related or evolved from a common ancestor. The shared physical characteristics suggest a similarity in their anatomical structure and could indicate a common lineage or evolutionary connection.
