Sea Squirts and Lampreys, Which Are Closely Related Aquatic Animals

question 18

Multiple Choice

Sea squirts and lampreys, which are closely related aquatic animals, have a perforated pharynx, a ventral heart, and a notochord at some stage of development. These similarities are best explained by

• A) artificial selection.
• B) a common ancestry.
• C) inheritance of acquired characteristics.
• D) the "Ladder of Nature."
• E) uniformitarianism.

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Definitions:

Ruling Out

In research, this refers to the process of eliminating alternative explanations for observed effects, strengthening the causal inference.

Intuition

The ability to understand or know something immediately based on feelings rather than facts or evidence.

Authority

The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, often within a specific context or institution.

Empirical Approach

A method of inquiry based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic, often involving the collection and analysis of data.