The following questions refer to the hypothetical patterns of taxonomic hierarchy shown in Figure 26.2.

-The four-chambered hearts of birds and the four-chambered hearts of mammals evolved independently of each other. If one were unaware of this independence, then one might logically conclude that
A)the birds were the first to evolve a 4-chambered heart.
B)birds and mammals are more distantly related than is actually the case.
C)early mammals possessed feathers.
D)the common ancestor of birds and mammals had a four-chambered heart.
E)birds and mammals should be placed in the same family.

Question

The following questions refer to the hypothetical patterns of taxonomic hierarchy shown in Figure 26.2.

-The four-chambered hearts of birds and the four-chambered hearts of mammals evolved independently of each other. If one were unaware of this independence, then one might logically conclude that
A)the birds were the first to evolve a 4-chambered heart. 
B)birds and mammals are more distantly related than is actually the case. 
C)early mammals possessed feathers. 
D)the common ancestor of birds and mammals had a four-chambered heart. 
E)birds and mammals should be placed in the same family.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The independent evolution of a four-chambered heart in birds and mammals suggests that their common ancestor did not have this feature, so assuming they evolved from a common ancestor with a four-chambered heart would be incorrect.

The Following Questions Refer to the Hypothetical Patterns of Taxonomic