Question

A living connecting link that provides evidence of organic evolution is
A. Sphenodon between reptiles and birds
B. Archaeopteryx between birds and reptiles
C. Lungfishes between pieces and reptiles
D. Duck-billed platypus between reptiles and mammals.

Answer 1

Hint: “Duckbill platypus” is an Egg-laying mammal. It is the connective link between reptiles and mammals because they possess characters of both reptiles and mammals. They lay eggs like reptiles and have hairy skin and other characters like mammals.

Complete answer:
> Option A -Sphenodon between reptiles and birds
People use terms like birds are reptiles because birds are more closely related to reptiles than anything else. Sphenodon is a scientific name for Tuatara that is reptiles endemic to New Zealand.

> Option B- Archaeopteryx between birds and reptiles
Archaeopteryx is described as the “missing link” between reptiles and birds. Only 12 fossil specimens have ever been found and Archaeopteryx fossil is known as specimen number eight. It was physically much closer to a modern bird than it is to a reptile.

> Option C- Lungfishes between pieces and reptiles
Lungfish are freshwater rhipidistian fish of the subclass Dipnoi. Lungfish are known for retaining characteristics primitive within the Osteichthyes.

> Option D- Duck-billed platypus between reptiles and mammals.
Platypus is the first animal to have evolved from reptile to mammal and possess the characteristics of both. It is known to be a living connecting link that provides evidence of organic evolution.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D).

Note: Organic evolution is the theory that states that recent types of plants and animals have their origins in other pre-existing forms. It also states that there are distinguishable differences between ancestors and descendants. These are due to modifications in successive generations.