Fossils of Thrinaxodon, a species that lived during the Triassic period, have been found in both South Africa and Antarctica. Thrinaxodon had a reptile-like skeleton and laid eggs, but small depressions on the front of its skull suggest it had whiskers and, therefore, fur. Thrinaxodon may have been warm-blooded. The fossils of Thrinaxodon are consistent with the hypothesis that ________.
A) fossils found in a given area look like the modern species in that same area
B) the environment where it lived was very warm
C) mammals evolved from a reptilian ancestor
D) Antarctica and South Africa separated after Thrinaxodon went extinct

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that Thrinaxodon had fur and may have been warm-blooded suggests that it was an early mammal or a close relative of early mammals, supporting the hypothesis that mammals evolved from a reptilian ancestor. The other choices are not supported by the information provided.

Fossils of Thrinaxodon, a Species That Lived During the Triassic