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To which of these are the scales of chondrichthyans most closely related in a structural sense?

A) osteichthyan scales
B) reptilian scales
C) mammalian scales
D) bird scales
E) chondrichthyan teeth

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Chondrichthyan scales are structurally most similar to chondrichthyan teeth due to their cartilaginous origins and different from the scales of other vertebrates like bony fish, reptiles, mammals, and birds.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scales of chondrichthyans, such as sharks and rays, are most closely related in a structural sense to chondrichthyan teeth. Chondrichthyans are part of the Chondrichthyes class, which are cartilaginous fishes that have jaws and paired fins. Unlike osteichthyans, which have a bony skeleton, chondrichthyans have a skeleton made of cartilage. They descended from an extinct group that had a bony skeleton. Hence, their scales, known as dermal denticles, share a similar structure and developmental origin with their teeth, rather than with scales of bony fishes (osteichthyans), reptiles, birds, or mammals.

User Jack Lawrence
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