Question

a biologist has discovered a new species living on a coral reef in the pacific ocean. the biologist 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 classify the new species, we analyze its characteristics:

• Fish: Typically lay eggs (not live young) and lack hair. Eliminate A.
• Mammal: Key traits include producing live young, having hair (even a thin layer), and some aquatic mammals (like whales) have fins and surface for air. The species produces live young, has hair on the jawline, and fins (similar to aquatic mammals). This matches.
• Amphibian: Usually lay eggs in water and undergo metamorphosis; lack hair and don’t typically have fins like described. Eliminate C.
• Invertebrate: Lack a backbone, but the presence of fins and hair (features of vertebrates) and live birth rule this out. Eliminate D.

Answer:

B. Mammal