Choose the evidence supporting that snakes evolved from legged lizards.Check all that apply.
A)Snakes have pelvic bones.
B)The oldest snake-like fossils have leg bones.
C)Transitional fossils show sections of the snake backbone evolving into legs.
D)Snake embryos temporarily develop limb buds which are reabsorbed before birth.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) Snakes retaining pelvic bones suggests an evolutionary history with legged ancestors. If snakes evolved from creatures that already had legs, then there would be no reason for them to retain pelvic bones.
B) The discovery of the oldest-known snake-like fossils from around 113 million years ago shows that they had remnants of hind limbs such as femurs, tibias, and fibulas. It's evidence of a legged ancestor for snakes.
C) There are no transitional fossils (known) that show sections of the snake backbone evolving into legs as mentioned in choice C.
D) The temporary development of limb buds in snake embryos, which are later reabsorbed before birth, supports the idea of a legged ancestor.

Choose the Evidence Supporting That Snakes Evolved from Legged Lizards