[Campbell Biology P.804] According to the table, what is a primary distinction between Actin... | Practice Question

According to the table, what is a primary distinction between Actinistia coelacanths and Actinopterygii ray-finned fishes ?

  • A: Actinistia are freshwater lobe-fins, while Actinopterygii are exclusively marine.
  • B: Actinistia are an ancient lineage of aquatic lobe-fins, whereas Actinopterygii have bony skeletons and maneuverable fins supported by rays.
  • C: Actinopterygii are jawless fish, while Actinistia possess hinged jaws.
  • D: Actinistia are the sister group of tetrapods, while Actinopterygii are basal chordates.

Explanation

The table distinguishes Actinopterygii by their 'bony skeleton and maneuverable fins supported by rays' and Actinistia as an 'ancient lineage of aquatic lobe-fins'. This highlights the key difference in fin structure and their evolutionary status as described.