The following numbered sets each represent a distinct group of organisms: (1)three toes per foot,cold-blooded,feathers,no finger adaptations
(2)three toes per foot,warm-blooded,body hair,opposable thumbs
(3)three toes per foot,warm-blooded,feathers,no finger adaptation
(4)three toes per foot,warm-blooded,body hair,no finger adaptations
Which of the following choices is the MOST likely to represent the order in which these groups would appear on an evolutionary tree,from oldest to most recent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Group 1 has characteristics of reptiles (cold-blooded, no finger adaptations), while group 2 has characteristics of primates (opposable thumbs). Group 3 (birds) and group 4 (mammals) both have warm-bloodedness, but group 3 has feathers while group 4 has body hair. Therefore, based on the evolution of these traits, the order from oldest to most recent would likely be 1 (reptiles) -> 3 (birds) -> 4 (mammals) -> 2 (primates). Therefore, the best choice is C.

The Following Numbered Sets Each Represent a Distinct Group of Organisms