Refer to the figure shown here. Which of the following would not have been a selective agent or pressure that could lead to the reduction in hindlimbs through time?
A) The animal's body size was too heavy to support the weight on land and hindlimbs were no longer useful.
B) More emphasis was placed on flexing the backbone than on paddling with hindlimbs for swimming.
C) Appendages cause resistance, or drag, when moving through water.
D) Before moving into the ocean, smaller legs were advantageous to escaping predators on land.
E) With the increased size of the tail and its use in swimming, the hindlimbs were not as necessary.

Question

Refer to the figure shown here. Which of the following would not have been a selective agent or pressure that could lead to the reduction in hindlimbs through time?
A) The animal's body size was too heavy to support the weight on land and hindlimbs were no longer useful. 
B) More emphasis was placed on flexing the backbone than on paddling with hindlimbs for swimming. 
C) Appendages cause resistance, or drag, when moving through water. 
D) Before moving into the ocean, smaller legs were advantageous to escaping predators on land. 
E) With the increased size of the tail and its use in swimming, the hindlimbs were not as necessary.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Archaeopteryx possessed feathers (that are considered bird characteristics) and teeth (which are not present in today's birds but are typical of reptiles). A tail with vertebrae is also a reptilian characteristic.Learning Outcome: 14.02.01 Explain how the fossil record, biogeography, comparative anatomy, development, and biochemistry support the hypothesis of common descent.

Refer to the Figure Shown Here