Through time, the lineage that led to modern whales shows a change from four-limbed land animals to aquatic animals with two limbs that function as flippers. This change is best explained by
A) natural philosophy.
B) creationism.
C) the hierarchy of the biological organization of life.
D) natural selection.
E) feedback inhibition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best explanation for the evolution of whales from four-limbed land animals to aquatic animals with two limbs functioning as flippers is natural selection. Over time, individuals with mutations that allowed them to swim more efficiently were more successful in their environments and passed on their genes to their offspring, leading to the development of the adaptations needed for aquatic life.

Through Time, the Lineage That Led to Modern Whales Shows