[Campbell Biology P.780] According to the text, which of the following statements about the ... | Practice Question

According to the text, which of the following statements about the origin and early evolution of tetrapods is FALSE?

  • A: The first tetrapods appeared in the fossil record approximately 365 million years ago.
  • B: The tetrapod body plan evolved abruptly 'out of nowhere' as a completely new design.
  • C: Key 'tetrapod' traits like a wrist, ribs, and a neck were present in Tiktaalik, predating the oldest known tetrapod.
  • D: Many early tetrapods likely remained tied to water, similar to the most basal living amphibians.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: 'This suggests that the tetrapod body plan did not evolve 'out of nowhere' but was simply a modification of a pre-existing body plan.' Therefore, the statement that it evolved abruptly 'out of nowhere' is false.