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Figure 13 shows the pentadactyl limb of a bat and a cat - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 7 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 7
Figure 13 shows the pentadactyl limb of a bat and a cat. (i) Describe the reasons why the anatomy of the pentadactyl limb suggests that bats and cats evolved from a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 13 shows the pentadactyl limb of a bat and a cat - Edexcel - GCSE Biology - Question 7 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the reasons why the anatomy of the pentadactyl limb suggests that bats and cats evolved from a common ancestor.
Answer
The similarity in the structure of the limbs, such as the bones forming the pentadactyl shape, indicates a common morphology indicative of a shared ancestry. This suggests that both bats and cats have inherited similar limb structures from their ancestor. Furthermore, it is unlikely that these features evolved independently, highlighting their evolutionary relationship.
Step 2
Genetic analysis also provides evidence for evolution.
Answer
Genetic comparisons between the sequences of genes from different organisms reveal that closely related species often show remarkable similarities and differences in their genetic sequences. These similarities may suggest a recent common ancestor, providing a genetic basis for the evolutionary connections observed via anatomical studies.