Use the Following Information and Figure to Answer the Questions

question 50

Multiple Choice

Use the following information and figure to answer the questions below.
Traditionally, whales and hippopotamuses have been classified in different orders, the Cetacea and the Artiodactyla, respectively. Recent molecular evidence, however, indicates that the whales' closest living relatives are the hippos. This has caused some zoologists to lump the two orders together into a single clade, the Cetartiodactyla. There is no consensus on whether the Cetartiodactyla should be accorded order status or superorder status. This is because it remains unclear whether the whale lineage diverged from the lineage leading to the hippos before or after the other members of the order Artiodactyla (pigs, camels, etc.) diverged (see the figure below) .

This figure contrasts the "Within the artiodactyls" origin of the whale lineage with the "Without the artiodactyls" origin of the whale lineage.
-Placing whales and hippos in the same clade means

• A)that these organisms are phenotypically more similar to each other than to any others shown on the trees in the above figure.
• B)that their morphological similarities are probably homoplasies.
• C)that they had a common ancestor.
• D)that all three of the responses are correct.
• E)that two of the responses are correct.

---

Definitions:

Weakness

A lack of physical strength, or the state of being less strong or powerful in a physical or emotional sense.

Frailty

A condition often associated with aging, characterized by decreased strength, endurance, and reduced physiological function, making an individual more vulnerable to falls, disability, and disease.

Elderly

A term referring to individuals who are significantly beyond the middle age, often considered to be 65 years and older.

Secure Attachments

A type of attachment characterized by feelings of safety and security in relationships, often resulting from consistent and caring responses from caregivers in early childhood.