Final answer:
Artiodactyls have evolved legs specialized for walking and running on land, while Dorudons, which are similar to modern whales, evolved flippers for efficient swimming in aquatic environments. The correct answer is C: Artiodactyl has legs for walking on land, while Dorudon has flippers for swimming.
Step-by-step explanation:
The limbs of Artiodactyls and Dorudons have evolved to adapt to their respective environments through different adaptations. Artiodactyls, such as deer, have limbs designed for walking on land, showcasing long legs and hard hooves specialized for running. In contrast, the Dorudon, an ancient aquatic mammal related to modern whales, had flippers adapted for swimming, supporting its lifestyle in an aquatic environment.
When considering body design and locomotion, land animals have undergone significant evolutionary changes to address the challenges presented by gravity, as opposed to aquatic animals that are mainly shaped by forces of water resistance. Early tetrapods developed limbs for land mobility, transitioning from the lateral undulations suited for swimming to more efficient locomotion techniques suitable for terrestrial life.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is C: Artiodactyl has legs for walking on land, while Dorudon has flippers for swimming.