Question at position 29 Our discussion on origin of lemurs in Madagascar combined phylogenetic and geological data. This is an example of...comparative anatomy.biogeography.artificial selection.paleontology.Clear my selection

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Question: Our discussion on origin of lemurs in Madagascar combined phylogenetic and geological data. This is an example of...

Option 1: comparative anatomy. Comparative anatomy studies the structure of organisms to understand evolutionary relationships, often by comparing homologous features. However, while phylogenetic data may involve anatomical comparisons, the emphasis on origins in a geographical and historical context that integrates where species come from and how they spread points more toward distribution patterns than just anatomical similarity.

Option 2: biogeography. Biogeography examines the spatial distribution of organisms across the Earth, integrating both evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) and historical geology (such as plate movements, land connections, and island formation) to explain how species originated and dispersed in particular regions. The combination described in the question aligns well with biogeographic analysis.

Option 3: artificial selection. Artificial selection refers to human-mediated breeding to select for desired traits. The scenario mentions natural history data (phylogenetic and geological) rather than human-directed breeding, so this choice is not appropriate.

Option 4: paleontology. Paleontology focuses on fossils and ancient life forms, often emphasizing preserved remains and ancient environments. While geological context is relevant, the explicit mention of combining phylogenetic data with geological data to explain origins is a hallmark of biogeography rather than a strictly paleontological framework.

In sum, the integration of evolutionary relationships (phylogeny) with historical geographic context (geology) to explain the origin and distribution of species fits the field of biogeography, distinguishing it from purely anatomical comparisons, human-directed selection, or fossil-focused paleontology.

Question at position 29 Our discussion on origin of lemurs in Madagascar combined phylogenetic and geological data. This is an example of...comparative anatomy.biogeography.artificial selection.paleontology.Clear my selection

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