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) reductionism.
C) the hierarchy of the biological organization of life.
D) natural selection.
E) feedback inhibition.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The change is best explained by natural selection, which favors adaptations that increase an organism's fitness for their environment. In this case, the limbs adapted over time to better suit an aquatic lifestyle, leading to the more streamlined and efficient form of modern whales.

Through Time, the Lineage That Led to Modern Whales Shows