Moderate

Modification in the organization of the basic pentadactyl limb structure found in vertebrates provides good evidence for the principle of:

Correct answer: A. Divergent evolution

  • A. Divergent evolution
  • B. Convergent evolution
  • C. Genetic drift
  • D. Inheritance of acquired characters

Explanation

All vertebrates have the same bone structure of limbs despite their limbs looking very different on the outside. This structure is known as the pentadactyl (five-fingered) limb. This suggests that many vertebrates descended from the same common ancestor. The pentadactyl (five-fingered) limb consists of a single proximal bone (humerus), two distal bones (radius and ulna), a series of carpals (wrist bones), followed by five series of metacarpals (palm bones) and phalanges (digits). Modifications in the organization of the basic pentadactyl limb structure found in vertebrates provide good evidence for the principle of adaptive radiation and divergent evolution.

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About Evolution

Evolution describes heritable change in populations over generations through variation, natural selection and adaptation. Lamarckism explains inheritance of acquired characteristics, while Darwinism explains selection of favourable inherited variations; these historical explanations must not be confused with the modern genetic account of evolutionary change.

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