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

State the five functions of Globular Proteins, and give an example of a protein for each function.

Diagram of check cell under low power and high power

a couple in which the father has the a blood type and the mother has the o blood type produce an offspring with the o blood type, how does this happen? how could two functionally O parents produce an offspring that has the a blood type?

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