Question

crocodiles, lizards, and snakes are all reptiles. however, lizards are more closely related to snakes than to crocodiles. which statement most accurately describes how this relationship is explained in darwin’s theory of evolution? a lizards and crocodiles have no history of any common ancestors. b crocodiles and snakes are more alike since they both develop from an egg. c lizards and snakes are more alike since both species have a recent common ancestor. d snakes and lizards are anatomically more alike due to the presence of analogous structures.

Explanation:

• Option A: Incorrect. All reptiles (lizards, crocodiles, snakes) share common ancestors over evolutionary history.
• Option B: Incorrect. Developmental mode (from egg) is not the basis for evolutionary relatedness; many reptiles lay eggs, so this does not explain why lizards are more closely related to snakes than to crocodiles.
• Option C: Correct. Darwin's theory of evolution emphasizes that species with a more recent common ancestor are more closely related and share more similarities. Lizards and snakes having a recent common ancestor explains their closer relationship.
• Option D: Incorrect. Analogous structures are for similar functions (convergent evolution), but close evolutionary relatedness is due to homologous structures from a common ancestor, not analogous ones.

Answer:

C. Lizards and snakes are more alike since both species have a recent common ancestor.