Question

What is the principle of common decent?

Answer 1

Answer:

Common descent is a theory that states that all organisms are descendants of a single common ancestor.

Explanation:

Common Descent:

• By definition, common descent signifies the common ancestry of a group of organisms.
• Common descent is an approach to explain the similarities between different organisms.
• The theory of common descent states that all organisms have descended from one common ancestor and therefore, possess some degree of similarity.
• Common descent has helped explain the genetic and structural similarities between two entirely different organisms such as reptiles and birds.
• For example, pentadactyl limbs i.e. limb with five fingers or digits is a highly conserved characteristics of all tetrapods. This indicates common descent with modification.