Question

what is the most likely reason that horses and mountain goats have hooves? they have homologous structures because they have a common ancestor. they have analogous structures because they have a common ancestor. these are similar structures due genetic mutations. these are vestigial structures in both animals because they are not used.

Explanation:

• Analyze each option:
• Option 1: Homologous structures are similar due to common ancestry. Horses and mountain goats (both mammals) likely share a common ancestor, and hooves are homologous structures.
• Option 2: Analogous structures are similar due to convergent evolution (not common ancestry), so this is incorrect.
• Option 3: Hooves are functional and not primarily due to random genetic mutations, so this is incorrect.
• Option 4: Hooves are used (for walking, running, climbing), so they are not vestigial, making this incorrect.

Answer:

A. They have homologous structures because they have a common ancestor.