Aplatypus is classed as a mammal because it has fur and feeds its offspring milk, yet it lays eggs, which is uncommon for mammals but not for other vertebrates. which of the following pieces of evidence would be most in strengthening the case for continuing to classify it with the mammals? a. evidence that all vertebrates share a common ancestor. b. evidence that some platypuses have evolved to bear live young under certain circumstances c. fossil evidence of platypuses living alongside other ancient mammals d. dna evidence showing it was more closely related to mammals then other vertebrates

Ans.

Platypus is an egg-laying mammalian species, which feeds its offspring milk like other mammals. Platypus shares features of both mammals (such as, presence of mammary glands and fur) and reptiles (such as egg laying and presence of egg shells), although it is classified with the mammals.

It is because, it shows more genetic similarity (around 82 percent similarity) with mammalian genome as compared to other vertebrates. Thus, the correct answer is option D).

above statement is not a true statement about the open ocean because the open ocean has low levels of nutrients. most of the photosynthetic activity on earth occurs in the open ocean within the photic zone. organisms in the deep ocean are exposed to frigid temperatures and total darkness but it does not begin at the low-tide mark.