Whale skeletons contain nonfunctional pelvic bones a. as a result of convergent evolution. b. due to catastrophism. c. because whales evolved from ancestors that had hind legs. d. because the bones might be needed for a future adaptation.

Question

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Answer 1

Textbook Question

Chapter 15, Problem 1MC

Whale skeletons contain nonfunctional pelvic bones

a. as a result of convergent evolution.

b. due to catastrophism.

c. because whales evolved from ancestors that had hind legs.

d. because the bones might be needed for a future adaptation.

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The vestigial can be referred to a rudimentary structure present in the body of an organism, which does not have any prominent function. These structures were functional in the ancestors of the organism, but during the course of evolution, the organism loses its function.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The pelvic bone in the whales is a vestigial organ, which had a function in their ancestors, having hind limbs.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as whales evolved from the ancestors that had hind legs. The whales are known to evolve from the Pakicetus. These organisms had four legs, and the hind limbs were functional. During the evolution, the hind limbs were lost, but the pelvic bone is still present in the whales. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as a result of convergent evolution. The convergent evolution can be defined as the process, in which the closely related species independently evolve the similar structures or traits to adapt to the environment. However, the pelvic bones were present in the ancestor of the whales, this is not evolved. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton due to catastrophism. The catastrophism referred to a change, which occurs suddenly in the organism. However, the pelvic bones are not suddenly developed in the whales, it is not an example of catastrophism. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is because that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton might be needed for a future adaptation. The bones of the pelvis were functional in the ancestors of the whales. This is not evolved for the future adaptation. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that pelvic bones are a vestigial organ in whales. These were functional in their ancestors, but in whales, they are nonfunctional.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Students have asked these similar questions

While listening to a hominin evolution podcast, the narrator mentions that the overall similarity of Homo erectus fossils from Africa, Asia, and Europe, and through time represents evolutionary statis. What evidence is there that this is not the case? A. The size of the teeth and jaws increased from earlier to later forms. B. There was an overall increase in cranial robusticity from earlier to later forms. C. The thickness of the cranial bone increased from earlier to later forms. D. Brain size increased by approximately 30% from earlier to later forms.

In your Introduction to Biological Anthropology class, your instructor asks you to examine a fossil skull and determine which species it is. You note there is a sagittal keel at the top of the skull. Based on this information alone, to which species does the skull belong? A. Australopithecus boisei B. Homo habilis C. Australopithecus garhi D. Homo erectus

On a research expedition to the Galapagos, you and your research team discover four new species! All the animals appear to be chordates, but each animal has distinct traits: Animal A: Both vertebral column and jaws Animal B: Vertebral column, jaws, limbs and lays amniotic eggs (amniote) Animal C: Vertebral column Animal D: Vertebral column, jaws and limbs A. Identify four derived characteristics that all chordates share. B. Based on your understanding of phylogeny, map the animals and their traits onto the phylogenetic tree provided below. In your response, list each number (1-8) and indicate which trait or animal corresponds to that position on the phylogenetic tree.

Answer 2

Textbook Question

Chapter 15, Problem 1MC

Whale skeletons contain nonfunctional pelvic bones

a. as a result of convergent evolution.

b. due to catastrophism.

c. because whales evolved from ancestors that had hind legs.

d. because the bones might be needed for a future adaptation.

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The vestigial can be referred to a rudimentary structure present in the body of an organism, which does not have any prominent function. These structures were functional in the ancestors of the organism, but during the course of evolution, the organism loses its function.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The pelvic bone in the whales is a vestigial organ, which had a function in their ancestors, having hind limbs.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as whales evolved from the ancestors that had hind legs. The whales are known to evolve from the Pakicetus. These organisms had four legs, and the hind limbs were functional. During the evolution, the hind limbs were lost, but the pelvic bone is still present in the whales. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as a result of convergent evolution. The convergent evolution can be defined as the process, in which the closely related species independently evolve the similar structures or traits to adapt to the environment. However, the pelvic bones were present in the ancestor of the whales, this is not evolved. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton due to catastrophism. The catastrophism referred to a change, which occurs suddenly in the organism. However, the pelvic bones are not suddenly developed in the whales, it is not an example of catastrophism. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is because that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton might be needed for a future adaptation. The bones of the pelvis were functional in the ancestors of the whales. This is not evolved for the future adaptation. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that pelvic bones are a vestigial organ in whales. These were functional in their ancestors, but in whales, they are nonfunctional.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Answer 3

Textbook Question

Chapter 15, Problem 1MC

Whale skeletons contain nonfunctional pelvic bones

a. as a result of convergent evolution.

b. due to catastrophism.

c. because whales evolved from ancestors that had hind legs.

d. because the bones might be needed for a future adaptation.

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The vestigial can be referred to a rudimentary structure present in the body of an organism, which does not have any prominent function. These structures were functional in the ancestors of the organism, but during the course of evolution, the organism loses its function.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The pelvic bone in the whales is a vestigial organ, which had a function in their ancestors, having hind limbs.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as whales evolved from the ancestors that had hind legs. The whales are known to evolve from the Pakicetus. These organisms had four legs, and the hind limbs were functional. During the evolution, the hind limbs were lost, but the pelvic bone is still present in the whales. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as a result of convergent evolution. The convergent evolution can be defined as the process, in which the closely related species independently evolve the similar structures or traits to adapt to the environment. However, the pelvic bones were present in the ancestor of the whales, this is not evolved. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton due to catastrophism. The catastrophism referred to a change, which occurs suddenly in the organism. However, the pelvic bones are not suddenly developed in the whales, it is not an example of catastrophism. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is because that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton might be needed for a future adaptation. The bones of the pelvis were functional in the ancestors of the whales. This is not evolved for the future adaptation. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that pelvic bones are a vestigial organ in whales. These were functional in their ancestors, but in whales, they are nonfunctional.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Answer 4

Textbook Question

Chapter 15, Problem 1MC

Whale skeletons contain nonfunctional pelvic bones

a. as a result of convergent evolution.

b. due to catastrophism.

c. because whales evolved from ancestors that had hind legs.

d. because the bones might be needed for a future adaptation.

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The vestigial can be referred to a rudimentary structure present in the body of an organism, which does not have any prominent function. These structures were functional in the ancestors of the organism, but during the course of evolution, the organism loses its function.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The pelvic bone in the whales is a vestigial organ, which had a function in their ancestors, having hind limbs.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as whales evolved from the ancestors that had hind legs. The whales are known to evolve from the Pakicetus. These organisms had four legs, and the hind limbs were functional. During the evolution, the hind limbs were lost, but the pelvic bone is still present in the whales. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as a result of convergent evolution. The convergent evolution can be defined as the process, in which the closely related species independently evolve the similar structures or traits to adapt to the environment. However, the pelvic bones were present in the ancestor of the whales, this is not evolved. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton due to catastrophism. The catastrophism referred to a change, which occurs suddenly in the organism. However, the pelvic bones are not suddenly developed in the whales, it is not an example of catastrophism. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is because that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton might be needed for a future adaptation. The bones of the pelvis were functional in the ancestors of the whales. This is not evolved for the future adaptation. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that pelvic bones are a vestigial organ in whales. These were functional in their ancestors, but in whales, they are nonfunctional.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!

Answer 5

Textbook Question

Answer 6

Textbook Question

Answer 7

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The vestigial can be referred to a rudimentary structure present in the body of an organism, which does not have any prominent function. These structures were functional in the ancestors of the organism, but during the course of evolution, the organism loses its function.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The pelvic bone in the whales is a vestigial organ, which had a function in their ancestors, having hind limbs.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as whales evolved from the ancestors that had hind legs. The whales are known to evolve from the Pakicetus. These organisms had four legs, and the hind limbs were functional. During the evolution, the hind limbs were lost, but the pelvic bone is still present in the whales. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as a result of convergent evolution. The convergent evolution can be defined as the process, in which the closely related species independently evolve the similar structures or traits to adapt to the environment. However, the pelvic bones were present in the ancestor of the whales, this is not evolved. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton due to catastrophism. The catastrophism referred to a change, which occurs suddenly in the organism. However, the pelvic bones are not suddenly developed in the whales, it is not an example of catastrophism. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is because that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton might be needed for a future adaptation. The bones of the pelvis were functional in the ancestors of the whales. This is not evolved for the future adaptation. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that pelvic bones are a vestigial organ in whales. These were functional in their ancestors, but in whales, they are nonfunctional.

Answer 8

Expert Solution & Answer

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The vestigial can be referred to a rudimentary structure present in the body of an organism, which does not have any prominent function. These structures were functional in the ancestors of the organism, but during the course of evolution, the organism loses its function.

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The pelvic bone in the whales is a vestigial organ, which had a function in their ancestors, having hind limbs.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as whales evolved from the ancestors that had hind legs. The whales are known to evolve from the Pakicetus. These organisms had four legs, and the hind limbs were functional. During the evolution, the hind limbs were lost, but the pelvic bone is still present in the whales. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as a result of convergent evolution. The convergent evolution can be defined as the process, in which the closely related species independently evolve the similar structures or traits to adapt to the environment. However, the pelvic bones were present in the ancestor of the whales, this is not evolved. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton due to catastrophism. The catastrophism referred to a change, which occurs suddenly in the organism. However, the pelvic bones are not suddenly developed in the whales, it is not an example of catastrophism. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is because that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton might be needed for a future adaptation. The bones of the pelvis were functional in the ancestors of the whales. This is not evolved for the future adaptation. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that pelvic bones are a vestigial organ in whales. These were functional in their ancestors, but in whales, they are nonfunctional.

Answer 9

Expert Solution & Answer

Answer 10

Expert Solution & Answer

Answer 11

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The vestigial can be referred to a rudimentary structure present in the body of an organism, which does not have any prominent function. These structures were functional in the ancestors of the organism, but during the course of evolution, the organism loses its function.

Answer 12

Answer to Problem 1MC

Correct answer:

The pelvic bone in the whales is a vestigial organ, which had a function in their ancestors, having hind limbs.

Answer 13

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for the correct answer:

Option (c) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as whales evolved from the ancestors that had hind legs. The whales are known to evolve from the Pakicetus. These organisms had four legs, and the hind limbs were functional. During the evolution, the hind limbs were lost, but the pelvic bone is still present in the whales. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Explanation for the incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton as a result of convergent evolution. The convergent evolution can be defined as the process, in which the closely related species independently evolve the similar structures or traits to adapt to the environment. However, the pelvic bones were present in the ancestor of the whales, this is not evolved. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (b) is that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton due to catastrophism. The catastrophism referred to a change, which occurs suddenly in the organism. However, the pelvic bones are not suddenly developed in the whales, it is not an example of catastrophism. So, it is an incorrect option.

Option (d) is because that the nonfunctional pelvic bones are present in whale’s skeleton might be needed for a future adaptation. The bones of the pelvis were functional in the ancestors of the whales. This is not evolved for the future adaptation. So, it is an incorrect option.

Hence, options, (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.

Answer 14

Conclusion

Thus, it can be concluded that pelvic bones are a vestigial organ in whales. These were functional in their ancestors, but in whales, they are nonfunctional.

Answer 15

Ch. 15 - 1. Whale skeletons contain nonfunctional pelvic...Ch. 15 - 2. Darwin was influenced by Malthus's thinking...Ch. 15 - Prob. 3MC Ch. 15 - Which of the following is NOT required for...Ch. 15 - 5. Which of the following is NOT evidence of...Ch. 15 - The flipper of a seal is homologous with the...Ch. 15 - The finding that all organisms share the same...Ch. 15 - Georges Cuvier espoused a concept called _______...Ch. 15 - 4. The process by which inherited characteristics...Ch. 15 - The process by which individuals with traits that...

Whale skeletons contain nonfunctional pelvic bones a. as a result of convergent evolution. b. due to catastrophism. c. because whales evolved from ancestors that had hind legs. d. because the bones might be needed for a future adaptation.

Concept explainers

Videos

Answer to Problem 1MC

Explanation of Solution

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Chapter 15 Solutions