Over Time, the Lineage That Led to Modern Whales Shows

question 4

Multiple Choice

Over time, the lineage that led to modern whales shows a change from four-limbed land animals to aquatic animals with two limbs that function as flippers. This change is best explained by

• A) an emergent property.
• B) reductionism.
• C) the hierarchy of the biological organization of life.
• D) natural selection.

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Definitions:

Gemellus

A term referring to one of a pair of small muscles located in the buttocks, involved in the rotation of the thigh.

Hip Muscle

The hip muscle is part of a group of muscles around the hip joint that supports movement and stability of the hip, including flexors, extensors, abductors, and adductors.

Piriformis

A muscle in the gluteal region of the lower limb, which can sometimes be involved in sciatic nerve compression.

Iliacus

A muscle located in the pelvis, part of the iliopsoas group, important for flexing the hip and stabilizing the lower body.