A proficient engineer can easily design skeletal structures that are more functional than those currently found in the forelimbs of such diverse mammals as horses, whales, and bats. The actual forelimbs of these mammals do not seem to be optimally arranged because ________.
A) natural selection has not had sufficient time to create the optimal design in each case, but will do so given enough time
B) in many cases, phenotype is determined by genotype and the environment
C) though we may not consider the fit between the current skeletal arrangements and their functions excellent, we should not doubt that natural selection ultimately produces the best design
D) natural selection is generally limited to modifying structures that were present in previous generations and in previous species

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement implies that the current skeletal structures of these mammals are not optimal because natural selection is limited to modifying structures that were present in previous generations and species. This means that natural selection may not have had the opportunity to create the optimal design from scratch, but rather is working with what was already present in earlier generations or species.

A Proficient Engineer Can Easily Design Skeletal Structures That Are