Question

use the diagram below to answer the question. the diagram shows the hind limb skeletons of a fossilized snake and a modern lizard. which statement best supports the claim that snakes evolved from a limbed ancestor? a during embryological development, modern lizards have tails like snakes. b during embryological development, snakes have hind limbs but are born legless. c fossil evidence shows that ancient snakes had the same bones as modern limbed reptiles. d fossil evidence shows that ancient snakes and modern snakes have the same limb structures.

Explanation:

Fossils are physical evidence of pre - existing organisms. The fossilized snake hind limb skeleton with structures like femur, tibia and fibula shows that ancient snakes had limbs, indicating they evolved from limbed ancestors. Embryological development is not relevant here as the question is about fossil evidence. Option a is about embryology, option b is incorrect as it misrepresents the embryological development claim, and option d is wrong as modern snakes do not have the same limb structures as ancient limbed forms.

Answer:

c. Fossil evidence shows that ancient snakes had the same bones as modern limbed reptiles.