Loading question...
You are in free guest mode. Timed Practice Revision List Attempt History Progress Tracking Create a free account to unlock these tools
Back to Questions
Prev Next
Practice Reading: Multiple Choice, Multiple Answers ID: #34232 Pakicetus
Instructions ›
Read the text and answer the question by selecting all the correct responses. You will need to select more than one response.
The fossil consists of a complete skull of an archaeocyte, an extinct group of ancestors of modern cetaceans. Although limited to a skull, the Pakicetus fossil provides precious details on the origins of cetaceans. The skull is cetacean-like but its jawbones lack the enlarged space that is filled with fat or oil and used for receiving underwater sound in modern whales. Pakicetus probably detected sound through the ear opening as in land mammals. The skull also lacks a blowhole, another cetacean adaptation for diving. Other features, however, show experts that Pakicetus is a transitional form between a group of extinct flesh-eating mammals, the mesonychids, and cetaceans. It has been suggested that Pakicetus fed on fish in shallow water and was not yet adapted for life in the open ocean. It probably bred and gave birth on land.

Pakicetus and modern cetaceans have similar

* Click on the correct answers

Result:

AI explanationShows the answer. Tap to open.
Option 3: "skull shapes"

Explanation: The text describes the Pakicetus skull as cetacean-like, indicating a similarity in skull shapes between Pakicetus and modern cetaceans. This connection supports the idea that they share similar skull structures, making this option correct.

Option 1: "hearing structures"

Explanation: The text states that Pakicetus likely detected sound through the ear opening like land mammals, while modern cetaceans have specialized hearing structures that include an enlarged space in the jawbones for receiving underwater sound. This indicates a significant difference in their hearing structures.

Option 2: "adaptations for diving"

Explanation: The text mentions that Pakicetus lacks a blowhole, which is a key adaptation for diving found in modern cetaceans. This absence shows that Pakicetus is not adapted for diving, making this option incorrect.

Option 4: "feeding locations"

Explanation: The text suggests that Pakicetus fed on fish in shallow water, which aligns with the feeding habits of some modern cetaceans that also hunt in similar environments. This parallel in feeding locations supports the correctness of this option.

The rest of this explanation is for members. Sign in free to read why the other options are wrong, key words and tips.

Sign in to read the full explanation

With a free account: Retry and compare every attempt.
Be the first! No community answers here yet. Submit yours and help others learn.
How difficult was this question?
Others found: 100% Easy · 0% Medium · 0% Hard
Saving...