Which of the following sequences correctly represents vertebrate evolution?
A) jawless fish → lobe-finned fish → amphibians → reptiles → mammals
B) jawless fish → amphibians → reptiles → lobe-finned fish → mammals
C) mammals → lobe-finned fish → reptiles → jawless fish → amphibians
D) lobe-finned fish → mammals → reptiles → jawless fish → amphibians
E) lobe-finned fish → reptiles → mammals → jawless fish → amphibians

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This sequence represents the correct order of vertebrate evolution, starting with the earliest ancestor (jawless fish) and leading up to the emergence of mammals. The inclusion of lobe-finned fish between jawless fish and amphibians also reflects current understanding of vertebrate evolution, as these fish are believed to have been important evolutionary intermediates in the transition from fish to amphibians. Reversing the order of lobe-finned fish and amphibians, as in option B and E, or including mammals before reptiles, as in option C and D, is inconsistent with current knowledge of vertebrate evolution.

Which of the Following Sequences Correctly Represents Vertebrate Evolution