Final answer:
Allen's Rule suggests that Manute Bol's ancestors were adapted to a hot climate, as evidenced by his long limbs which aid in heat dissipation. This rule is an ecogeographic principle reflecting evolutionary adaptations to environmental temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on Allen's Rule, which is an ecogeographic rule stating that animals, including humans, adapted to hotter climates tend to have longer extremities compared to those in colder climates, Manute Bol's ancestors likely evolved in a hotter climate. This is consistent with his elongated limbs. Manute Bol hailed from Sudan, which features a tropical and desert climate, an environment where having longer limbs can help with thermal regulation by increasing surface area to dissipate heat more effectively. Thus, the natural selection promoted these traits which are advantageous in hot climates.
The same principle can be applied to understand ancient climates and environments by studying the physiology of both animals and plants. For example, by understanding the modern climate conditions favorable for species like Picea, we can infer past climates in the United States where these species were previously found.