Before DNA Evidence, Scientists Had a Difficult Time Discerning Where

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The Answer is Before DNA evidence, scientists had a difficult time linking cetaceans to artiodactyls based on morphological evidence alone because cetaceans, which include whales, dolphins, and porpoises, have undergone significant adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle. These adaptations, such as their streamlined bodies, flippers, and lack of hind limbs, make it challenging to see the similarities between cetaceans and artiodactyls, which are even-toed, hoofed mammals like deer, pigs, and hippos.

However, more recent discoveries in the fossil record have provided evidence linking cetaceans to artiodactyls. Fossil evidence shows that cetaceans share a common ancestor with artiodactyls, likely a small, deer-like mammal that lived around 50 million years ago. This common ancestor had features of both groups, such as a hoofed foot with an odd number of toes, which is a characteristic of artiodactyls. Additionally, genetic studies have also supported the link between cetaceans and artiodactyls, showing that they share a close evolutionary relationship.

Overall, while morphological evidence alone may have made it difficult to link cetaceans to artiodactyls in the past, recent discoveries in the fossil record and genetic studies have provided strong evidence for their evolutionary connection.

Before DNA Evidence, Scientists Had a Difficult Time Discerning Where

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