The Family Felidae (Cats) Is Distributed Across Africa, Eurasia, North

question 31

Multiple Choice

The family Felidae (cats) is distributed across Africa, Eurasia, North America, and South America and is hypothesized to have eight major lineages (Panthera, bay cat, caracal, ocelot, lynx, puma, leopard, and domestic cat groups) as shown in this phylogenetic tree, constructed from DNA sequences. Scientists used a molecular clock and fossil evidence to date the divergence of each group. The dates of divergence are provided in the accompanying figure.

-According to the phylogenetic tree, what is the best explanation for why members of the Felidae are found on nearly all the major continents?

• A) The common ancestor of the Felidae evolved on Pangaea.
• B) Divergence and migration occurred multiple times, in multiple locations.
• C) Species selection for fast predators was common on most continents.
• D) The Felidae diversified in the Mesozoic, when the Earth's continents were still close together.

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Definitions:

Molten Rock

Rock that has been heated to a temperature where it becomes liquid, known as magma beneath the Earth's surface and lava when it erupts.

Underground Body

A mass of geologic material beneath the Earth's surface, such as rock formations, ore bodies, or aquifers.

Continental Settings

The environmental and geological conditions found on the continents, as opposed to oceanic settings.

High Continental Plateaus

Elevated expanses of land that sit significantly higher than the surrounding area, typically formed by tectonic activity.