Encephalization Quotient (EQ) values can be estimated for extinct species because
A) there is a linear relationship between the EQ and time, thus allowing extrapolation
B) extinct species always have the same EQ value
C) we can estimate their body masses from their fossilized remains and their brain masses from the sizes of their fossilized cranial cavities
D) we can always find similar species in existence today to make measurements of

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can estimate the body mass of an extinct species from its fossilized remains and the brain mass from the size of its fossilized cranial cavity. From these values, we can then calculate an estimate of the EQ. The EQ is not a linear function of time, so we cannot use (A) as an answer. (B) is false because, just like in existing species, EQ values differ between extinct species. (D) may sometimes be possible, but often there are not similar species in existence today to make measurements of.

Encephalization Quotient (EQ) Values Can Be Estimated for Extinct Species