[Campbell Biology P.523] Based on the evolutionary tree in Figure 22.8, approximately when d... | Practice Question

Based on the evolutionary tree in Figure 22.8, approximately when did the most recent common ancestor shared by Mammuthus woolly mammoths , Asian elephants Elephas maximus , and African elephants Loxodonta africana and L. cyclotis live?

  • A: 2 million years ago
  • B: 5.5 million years ago
  • C: 24 million years ago
  • D: 34 million years ago

Explanation

To find the most recent common ancestor shared by Mammuthus, Asian elephants, and African elephants, trace back the lineages of all these groups until they converge at a single node. This node is located at approximately 24 million years ago on the timeline provided in Figure 22.8.