Concept explainers
The two groups of mammals with the largest number of species are
a. marsupials and monotremes.
b. carnivores and whales.
c. bats and rodents.
d. apes and lampreys.
Introduction:
Mammals are the part of Chordata taxonomic group as they possess distinctive characteristics like presence of notochord. Mammals are named due to the presence of mammary glands that secretes milk to feed newborns. There are numerous groups in the mammals based on specific characteristics, each containing numerous species of the mammals.
Answer to Problem 1MC
Correct answer:
The two groups of mammals with the largest number of species are bats and rodents.
Explanation of Solution
Explanation for the correct answer:
Option (c) is given that the two groups of mammals with the largest number of species are bats and rodents. Rodents constitute almost 40% of the mammal population while bats constitute around 20% of the mammal population. These two groups consist of 60% of the mammal population. Hence, option (c) is correct.
Explanation for incorrect answers:
Option (a) is given that the two groups of mammals with the largest number of species are marsupials and monotremes. There are only five species of monotremes in the world while only 330 species of marsupials. Most of the marsupials are situated in Australia. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (b) is given that the two groups of mammals with the largest number of species are carnivores and whales. Carnivores belong to various groups and are not limited to the mammals. There are only 70% species of whales. Even with the large sizes, the actual numbers of these animals are small as compared to 60% population of bats and rodents. So, it is an incorrect option.
Option (d) is given that the two groups of mammals with the largest number of species are apes and lampreys. Apes are found in forests and most of the apes are endangered species. Their number is much less compared to a number of rodents and bats. Lampreys are a group of vertebrates. They do not belong to mammals. So, it is an incorrect option.
Hence, options, (a), (b), and (d) are incorrect.
Therefore, it can be concluded that the two groups of mammals with the largest number of species are bats and rodents.
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BIOLOGY:LIFE ON EARTH-W/ACCESS