Question

In a comparative Anatomy lab, you found some bones and the jaws are toothed and that the anterior limbs are modified for flight. Determine whether this tetrapod is related phylogenetically to the subclass Archosauria of the Reptilia, to either the subclass Archaeornithes or the Neornithes of the Aves or to the subclass Eutheria of the Mammalia. Describe those aspects of the fossil which allows you to make your determination. IN OTHER WORDS, WHICH OF THE ABOVE ANIMALS POSSESS THE FEATURE, "jaws are toothed and that the anterior limbs are modified for flight." WHY?

Answer 1

In a comparative anatomy laboratory, the finding was found from a fossil fuel record that it contained toothed bones and jaws, and also the anterior limbs were modified for flight. It is assumed that the fossil belongs to tetrapod. Our aim to find out which subclass does the tetrapod belongs to phylogenetically. After intense study, it was assumed that the fossil belonged to the subclass Archosauria of the Reptilia. This subclass includes the dinosaurs which are extinct. Species that are available in today's time from the subclass Archosauria include many birds and crocodiles. In simple language, this subclass targets the bird-like reptilians. They have toothed jaws and bones in some cases which is referred to as socket teeth because they descended from the reptiles. Their anterior limbs are evolved in a way, such that it carries out the function of flight. This is because as evolution occurred, they undertook features similar to birds such as flying.