Question

a biologist has discovered a new species living on a coral reef in the pacific ocean. the biol records information describing this new species: - feeds at the base of the reef but comes to the surface at regular intervals - has a dorsal fin and fins on the side of its body - thin layer of hair on its jawline when born - produces live young - carnivore in which classification should the biologist place this new species? a. fish b. mammal c. amphibian d. invertebrate

Explanation:

To determine the classification, we analyze the traits:

• Fish: Typically lay eggs (not live young), so A is out.
• Mammal: Key traits include hair (thin layer on jawline), live young production, and some aquatic mammals (like whales) have fins. The species has hair, produces live young, and fins (similar to aquatic mammals).
• Amphibian: Usually lay eggs in water and undergo metamorphosis; this species produces live young, so C is out.
• Invertebrate: Lack a backbone, but the traits (hair, live young) suggest a vertebrate, so D is out.

The presence of hair (a mammal trait) and producing live young confirms it’s a mammal.

Answer:

B. Mammal