Question

Using various resources such as your school library or the internet and discussions with your teacher, trace the evolutionary stages of any one animal, say horse.

Answer 1

During the Eocene period, horses evolved from Eohippus. It involved the following evolutionary stages.

 A trio of Eohippus, Mesohippus, Merychhippus, and Pliohippus led to the emergence of Equus. Trends in evolutionary development:

 (i) Increase in body weight.

(ii) Lengthening of the neck.

 (iii) An increase in leg length.

(iv) Enlarging the third digit.

 (v) Progressive reduction of lateral digits

(vi) More complex teeth to feed on grass

 (vii) Strengthening of the back

(viii) Brain and sensory organ developmen.