In the Case Study Involving the Phylogeny of Whales,________

Question

In the case study involving the phylogeny of whales,________.
A) molecular data and fossil data are in conflict with each other
B) molecular data confirmed what was already known from the fossil record: whales are cetaceans
C) fossil discoveries confirmed what molecular data already suggested: whales are cetaceans
D) both molecular and fossil data are inconclusive

Accepted Answer

Fossil discoveries have indeed confirmed what molecular data already suggested, which is that whales belong to the group of cetaceans. This synergy between molecular evidence and fossil findings has helped clarify the evolutionary history of whales.