Final answer:
A partially articulated skeleton refers to a skeleton with some bones connected but missing others, making it incomplete. The correct answer from the provided options is (a) a skeleton with missing bones.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the field of biology, a partially articulated skeleton refers to a skeleton with some of its bones connected or joined in some way, but not fully assembled or complete.
Option (a), a skeleton with missing bones, is the correct answer.
This means that while many bones may be connected in the correct anatomical positions, the skeleton is not complete, having some bones that are not preserved or found.
Skeletons, whether they be from recent organisms or fossilized remains, provide crucial information about the characteristics and lifestyles of organisms.
Bone tissue can be described as dense, hard connective tissue, which is option (d) from the given choices.
The skeletal system, which consists of bones and cartilage according to option (b), has several important functions, including supporting the body, protecting internal organs, enabling movement, and maintaining homeostasis.
When a skeleton is recovered, biological anthropologists study the remains to gain insights into the past lives of species, but it's essential to note that the fossil record is incomplete, leading to discoveries of partially articulated or even disarticulated skeletons.