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Common Ancestry

Question 9 • AFC AP Biology B5

Which trait would have been shown in the last common ancestor for all vertebrates?

Answer
A
lobed fins
B
jaws
C
vertebral column

Explanation

The last common ancestor of all vertebrates would have had the defining vertebrate trait: a vertebral column, or backbone. Jaws and lobed fins evolved later in particular vertebrate groups, so they would not have been present in the ancestor of all vertebrates. The correct choice is vertebral column.

AI-written and checked against the verified answer.

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