[Campbell Biology P.517] The question "What causes the similarities and differences among Ea... | Practice Question

The question "What causes the similarities and differences among Earth's many different species?" is addressed by the concept of "descent with modification." Which of the following best describes how this concept explains both the unity and diversity of life?

  • A: Similarities arise from shared ancestry, while differences accumulate as species adapt to different environments.
  • B: Both similarities and differences are solely the result of natural selection in diverse environments.
  • C: Differences are due to shared ancestry, and similarities result from adaptation to various environments.
  • D: The concept primarily explains only the diversity of life, not its underlying unity.

Explanation

The diagram titled "What causes the similarities and differences among Earth's many different species?" explicitly illustrates that 'shared ancestry' leads to similarities unity , and 'Species accumulate differences from their ancestors as they adapt to different environments' leads to differences diversity . The concept of 'descent with modification' encompasses both.