Which of the following is an example of exaptation?
A)Wings are longer in some birds than others.
B)Human middle ear bones are derived from ancestral gill arch tissue.
C)Wings of bats and wings of birds are homologous.
D)Mutation rates can increase at higher temperatures.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Exaptation refers to the adaptation of an existing structure for a new function. The fact that human middle ear bones are derived from ancestral gill arch tissue is an example of exaptation, as these bones were originally adapted for a function in aquatic animals but were later co-opted for hearing in terrestrial mammals. The other choices do not involve exaptation.

Which of the Following Is an Example of Exaptation