Although snakes and dogs are different species,they both have a bony vertebral column surrounding and protecting the nerve cord running down the center of their back.This column of bone is an example of a ________ trait and evidence of snakes and dogs sharing a common ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The trait of having a vertebral column is a homologous trait because these structures have a common ancestry in both snakes and dogs. This suggests that they share a common ancestor that also had a vertebral column. While there are differences between the vertebral columns of snakes and dogs, the fact that they both have them indicates that they share a common heritage. The other answer choices are not correct because analogous traits (choice A) are traits that are similar in function but have different evolutionary origins, while vestigial traits (choices B and D) are structures that have lost most or all of their ancestral function but are still present in the organism. Neither of these types of traits are relevant to the shared vertebral column in snakes and dogs.

Although Snakes and Dogs Are Different Species,they Both Have a Bony