Question

A scientist is examining a fossilized insect that may be an ancestor of modern dragonflies. Which of the following should the scientist compare to best determine how closely related the fossilized insect is to modern dragonflies?
A) their diets
B) their habitats
C) their predators
D) their anatomies

Answer 1

The scientist should compare the anatomies of the fossil and present day dragon fly to determine the relation between the two.

Explanation:

• Diet is a common factor between many species,i.e. Different animals can have same died for example there are several grass eating species so this will not establish a close relation between the two.

• A single habitat can be occupied by different species , for example a grassland can be the habitat of lion, zebra , various insects etc. Secondly, getting a clear idea about the  habitat of a fossil specimen is difficult and can be hypothetical. Thus, this is not a criteria to be compared.
• Different animal can have same predator, for example, a zebra, a deer and a nil gai have lion as the predator. Again determine the predator of a fossil specimen is very difficult and might lead to a hypothetical conclusion. Thus predators are also not factors of comparison here.
• The Anatomy of an organism is quite similar to its ancestor, the structural plan of the body can easily be compared. For example the anatomical features of man and apes are closely established. Thus, Comparing the anatomy will determine the closeness of the give species.