Question

Archaeopteryx is the connecting link between.
A.Fishes and amphibians
B.Amphibians and birds
C.Amphibians and reptiles
D.Reptiles and birds

Answer 1

Hint: Fossils indicate the connecting link between two groups of organisms. The connecting link organism has the characters of both different groups of classes of organisms.

Complete answer:
Let us analyse the options to find the correct answer.
Option A: The connecting link between fishes and amphibians are lungfish [Dipnoi species]. It is the living fossil. It has primitive features of osteichthyes which include the ability to breathe air. It also has Sarcopterygii features such as the presence of lobed fins with well developed internal skeleton. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option B: There is no connecting link between amphibians and birds. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option C: The connecting link between amphibians and reptiles is Sphenodon. It is similar to Lizard [Tuatara] which has unique dentition, Absence of an external auditory aperture, Absence of a male copulatory organ. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option D: Archaeopteryx is known to be a communicating connection between reptiles and birds because it looks like a bird and has bird wings. The teeth and tail, however, are closer to those of reptiles. Since it implies that birds evolved from reptiles. Therefore Archaeopteryx links reptiles and birds. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (D)

Note: Duck-billed platypus found from Australia is another example of a connecting link. The mouth of this animal is like a broad, flat bill. This animal has hairs on the body. It lays eggs. It is a homeothermic animal. The skeletal system of this animal resembles some characters with the reptilian skeleton. Thus this animal is a connecting link between the reptilia and the mammals.