While on a paleontological dig in the United Kingdom, you come across a completely preserved (including skin) extinct species of mammal within a bog.You note that for a mammal it is relatively hairless.In order to determine the adaptive significance of hairlessness, you must
A)find an expert on mammals of this region and turn the find over to that person.
B)collect data that will help you to reconstruct the environment of that time.
C)determine the closest extant relative of this species and study it for better understanding of the extinct species.
D)none of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

To determine the adaptive significance of hairlessness in this extinct mammal species, it is necessary to collect data on the environment of the time period it existed in. This information will provide insight into potential factors that may have led to the evolution of hairlessness, such as climate or available food sources. Consulting with a mammal expert or studying a related extant species may also be helpful, but collecting data on the environment is the most relevant factor for understanding the adaptation of hairlessness in this specific extinct mammal species.

While on a Paleontological Dig in the United Kingdom, You