Fossil evidence shows that giraffes living 1000 years ago had much shorter necks than the giraffes seen today. Which statement best explains this observation?
A) The two groups of giraffes are not related.
B) The two groups of giraffes arose as a result of convergent evolution.
C) The difference in neck length is evidence for homoplastic inheritance.
D) The two groups of giraffes were located in different geographical locations.
E) The giraffes acquired longer necks through the continuing process of natural selection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most plausible explanation for the observed difference in neck length over time is that giraffes with longer necks had a selective advantage, perhaps in reaching food sources like leaves in taller trees. Over generations, this trait became more common in the population through the process of natural selection, leading to the modern giraffes with significantly longer necks than their ancestors.

Fossil Evidence Shows That Giraffes Living 1000 Years Ago Had