Refer to the Figure Shown Here

question 18

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.

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Definitions:

Alternative Hypothesis

The hypothesis in a statistical test that proposes a difference or effect, contrasted with the null hypothesis.

Friedman Test

A statistical test that does not rely on parameter distributions to identify variations in treatments across several trials.

Population Locations

The geographical distribution of individuals or entities within a defined area or group being studied.

Learned Helplessness

A condition in which individuals believe they have no control over their situation and therefore stop trying to change or escape from their circumstances, often leading to decreased motivation and depression.