Which of the following analyses would best help to determine if a fossil represents a reptile or a mammal?
A) look for the presence of milk-producing glands
B) look for the mammalian characteristics of a four-chambered heart and a diaphragm
C) use molecular analysis to look for the protein keratin
D) examine the teeth

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fossils typically preserve hard tissues such as bones and teeth, making the examination of teeth a practical method for distinguishing between reptiles and mammals. Mammals often have differentiated teeth (incisors, canines, molars) adapted for specific functions, while reptiles tend to have more uniform teeth. Milk-producing glands, a four-chambered heart, and molecular analyses for proteins like keratin would not be discernible in fossil records, as these features do not fossilize well or at all.

Which of the Following Analyses Would Best Help to Determine