Final answer:
The most general group where all members have fingernails instead of claws is primates, which include species like monkeys, apes, and humans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most inclusive group characterized by the presence of fingernails instead of claws is E) primates. This diverse biological order encompasses all species most closely related to humans, displaying distinct anatomical features such as larger brains relative to other mammals, flattened nails (instead of claws), and adaptations for tree climbing. The primate order is divided into prosimians and anthropoids.
Anthropoids, a subgroup within primates, include monkeys, lesser apes, great apes (such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans), and humans. The presence of fingernails is a shared characteristic within this inclusive group. Fingernails, as opposed to claws, are a common trait among anthropoids, serving various functions related to their sophisticated manual dexterity and arboreal adaptations. Understanding such shared traits aids in categorizing and comprehending the evolutionary relationships within the diverse and fascinating group of primates.