Question

in 2010, scientists excavated a skull fossil that provides evidence of a newly discovered species of big cat. based on the evidence, scientists hypothesize that big cats branched off from smaller wild cats about 6 million years ago. which of these resources did the scientists most likely rely on to form their hypothesis? a a food web showing feeding relationships of organisms where the fossil skull was found b population and migration data for small wild cats living in the ecosystem where the skull was found c the fossil record and dna comparisons of big cats and small cats d the historical record of interactions between different species of big cats

Explanation:

• Option A: A food web shows feeding relationships. It doesn't directly provide evidence about the evolutionary branching (when big cats branched off from smaller wild cats).
• Option B: Population and migration data of small wild cats in a current ecosystem don't give information about an evolutionary event (branching) that occurred 6 million years ago.
• Option C: The fossil record can show the physical characteristics of ancient organisms (like the skull fossil here). DNA comparisons can show genetic similarities and differences. By looking at the fossil record (to see morphological changes over time) and DNA (to see genetic divergence), scientists can hypothesize about evolutionary branching events (such as big cats branching off from smaller wild cats).
• Option D: The historical record of interactions between different big - cat species doesn't address the evolutionary branching from smaller wild cats. It focuses on interactions within the big - cat group, not their origin from a smaller wild - cat ancestor.

Answer:

C. The fossil record and DNA comparisons of big cats and small cats