Question

the diagram shows data on the evolution of horses.
horse evolution
recent
pleistocene
equus
3 million
years ago
pliocene
pliohippus
7 million
years ago
miocene
merychippus
25 million
years ago
oligocene
miohippus
40 million
years ago
eocene
hyracotherium
60 million
years ago
the data in the diagram is evidence that —
f a new species of horse suddenly appeared
g horses slowly developed over time
h horses have similar stages of rapid embryological development
j horses have a common ancestry with other hooved animals

Explanation:

• Option F: The diagram shows a gradual change over millions of years, not a sudden appearance of a new species. So F is incorrect.
• Option G: The diagram displays different horse - like species (Hyracotherium, Miohippus, Merychippus, Pliohippus, Equus) over time periods (60 million years ago to 3 million years ago). The physical forms change gradually, indicating that horses slowly developed over time. This option matches the evidence from the diagram.
• Option H: The diagram is about the evolution of horse species over time, not about embryological development. So H is incorrect.
• Option J: The diagram only focuses on the evolution of horses, and there is no information about other hooved animals to support a common ancestry with them. So J is incorrect.

Answer:

G. horses slowly developed over time