Currently, two extant elephant species (X and Y) are placed in the genus Loxodonta, and a third species (Z) is placed in the genus Elephas. Thus, which statement should be true?
A) Species X and Y are not related to species Z.
B) Species X and Y share a greater number of homologies with each other than either does with species Z.
C) Species X and Y share a common ancestor that is still extant (in other words, not yet extinct).
D) Species X and Y are the result of artificial selection from an ancestral species Z.
E) Species X, Y, and Z share a common ancestor, but nothing more can be claimed than this
Eye of an Asian elephant.
Decorated Indian elephant
Skull of an Oriental giant squirrel (genus Ratufa) - note the classic sciuromorphous shape of the an
Several species of squirrels have melanistic phases. In large parts of United States and Canada, the
Northern Elephant Seals mating (Mirounga angustirostris).