Refer to the Figure Shown Here

question 24

Multiple Choice

Refer to the figure shown here. Which of the following would not have been a selective agent or pressure that could lead to the reduction in hindlimbs through time?

• A) The animal's body size was too heavy to support the weight on land and hindlimbs were no longer useful.
• B) More emphasis was placed on flexing the backbone than on paddling with hindlimbs for swimming.
• C) Appendages cause resistance, or drag, when moving through water.
• D) Before moving into the ocean, smaller legs were advantageous to escaping predators on land.
• E) With the increased size of the tail and its use in swimming, the hindlimbs were not as necessary.