If the current molecular evidence regarding animal origins is well-substantiated in the future, then what will be true of any contrary evidence regarding the origin of animals derived from the fossil record?
A) The contrary fossil evidence will be seen as a hoax.
B) The fossil evidence will be understood to have been incorrect because it is incomplete.
C) The fossil record will henceforth be ignored.
D) Phylogenies involving even the smallest bit of fossil evidence will need to be discarded.
E) Only phylogenies based solely on fossil evidence will need to be discarded.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Molecular evidence provides a different perspective of animal origins than that provided by the fossil record. If the molecular evidence is well-substantiated, it does not necessarily mean that the fossil record is a hoax or that it will be ignored. However, it does suggest that the fossil record may be incomplete or provide an incomplete picture of animal origins. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate choice.

If the Current Molecular Evidence Regarding Animal Origins Is Well-Substantiated