Question

A platypus is classified as a mammal because it has fur and feeds its offspring milk, yet it lays eggs, which is uncommon for mammals. Which of the following pieces of evidence would be most helpful in strengthening the case for continuing to classify it with the mammals?

a.Evidence that all vertebrates share a common ancestor.

b.Evidence that some platypuses have evolved to bear live young.

c.Fossil evidence of platypuses living alongside other ancient mammals.

d. DNA evidence showing it was more closely related to mammals than to other vertebrates.

Answer 1

The correct answer would be D. DNA evidence showing it was more closely related to mammals than to other vertebrates

Answer 2

The correct option is D.

Explanation:

Platypus is a mammalian species that lays the egg and feeds its young ones milk like any other mammals. Platypus shares characters of both mammals such as the presence of fur and mammary glands, and with reptiles such as the presence of eggshells and egg laying, although it is classified with the mammals.

It is because, it exhibits more genetic similarity with the mammalian genome, almost 82%, as compared to other vertebrates.

Thus, the correct answer would be option D.