Question
1 The opossum , which is native to North America, and the kangaroo , which is native to Australia, are marsupials. The fact that both these mammals incubate their immature offspring in a pouch provides evidence that they . A belong to the same species B must range great distances to eat C have very similar skeletal structures D are descended from a common ancestor
Answer
3.2
(314 Votes)
Emilia
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
D
Explanation
The question relates these two marsupials based on their shared characteristic: they both carry their immature offspring in a pouch. Each answer choice attempts to explain this common feature:Option A suggests that they belong to the same species. However, opossums and kangaroos show distinct differences, indicating that they are distinct species.Option B suggests they cover great distances to eat. But their diet range is irrelevant in explaining their pouch characteristic.Option C posits that their skeletal structures are parallel. This may not necessarily be true, because different marsupial species often show significant varying skeletal structures.Option D speculates that they are descendants from a common ancestor. According to evolutionary theories, related species sharing unique physical traits have likely evolved from a common ancestor. Certainly being vertebrates, and the fact they're marsupials suggests that opossum and kangaroo likely evolved from a common progenitor.The answer, therefore, stems from understanding how evolutionary history can impact present day features in species.