Currently, two extant elephant species (X and Y) are placed in the genus Loxodonta, and a third species (Z) is placed in the genus Elephas. Thus, which of the following statements is true?
A) Species X and Y are not related to species Z.
B) Species X and Y share a greater number of homologies with each other than either does with species Z.
C) Species X and Y share a common ancestor that is still extant (in other words, not yet extinct).
D) Species X and Y are the result of artificial selection from an ancestral species Z.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that species X and Y are placed in the same genus (Loxodonta) indicates that they share a greater number of homologies with each other than with species Z, which is placed in a different genus (Elephas). This suggests that species X and Y are more closely related to each other than to species Z. However, it does not imply that they do not share a common ancestor with species Z or that they are the result of artificial selection from an ancestral species Z.

Currently, Two Extant Elephant Species (X and Y) Are Placed