Evolutionary theory predicts that species are related, not independent. Four of the following examples provide support for this prediction, but one is irrelevant. Which one of these examples does not support the claim that species are related?
A) The endostyle of lancelets invertebrate chordates) and the thyroid gland of vertebrates develop similarly, and both produce iodinated proteins.
B) Many dinosaurs and other organisms went extinct following a huge asteroid impact at the end of the Cretaceous.
C) Ground squirrel species found on the north and south sides of the Grand Canyon are very similar to each other.
D) All prokaryotes and eukaryotes use DNA to carry their genetic information.
E) Before synthetic insulin was available, diabetics used injections of purified pig insulin to manage their disease.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This example is about extinction, which does not provide evidence for relatedness between species. The other examples show similarities or commonalities between different species, supporting the idea that they are related through a common ancestor.

Evolutionary Theory Predicts That Species Are Related, Not Independent