Question

Match LIST-I with LIST-II
\begin{tabularx}{0.8\textwidth}{|l|X|l|X|} \hline \multicolumn{2}{|c|}{LIST-I} & \multicolumn{2}{c|}{LIST-II}
\multicolumn{2}{|c|}{Period} & \multicolumn{2}{c|}{Genra of horse}
\hline A. & Pleistocene & I. & Eohippus
B. & Eocene & II. & Mesohippus
C. & Miocene & III. & Equus
D. & Oligocene & IV. & Merychippus
\hline \end{tabularx}
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. A - I, B - II, C - III, D - IV
• B. A - III, B - I, C - IV, D - II
• C. A - I, B - II, C - IV, D - III
• D. A - III, B - IV, C - I, D - II

Hint:

A mnemonic to remember the order of the epochs and the key genera is "Eat On My Plate".

\textbf{E}at (\textbf{E}ocene) \(\rightarrow\) \textbf{E}ohippus
\textbf{O}n (\textbf{O}ligocene) \(\rightarrow\) Mes\textbf{o}hippus
\textbf{M}y (\textbf{M}iocene) \(\rightarrow\) \textbf{M}erychippus
\textbf{P}late (\textbf{P}leistocene) \(\rightarrow\) Pliohippus/\textbf{Equus} \end{itemize}

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question requires knowledge of the evolutionary history of the horse, which is a classic example of evolution documented in the fossil record. The key is to match the geological epochs with the corresponding ancestral horse genera.

Step 2: Detailed Matching:
The general chronological order of horse evolution is as follows:
- Eocene Epoch: The earliest ancestor, {Eohippus} (also known as {Hyracotherium}), appeared. It was a small, dog-sized animal with multiple toes. So, B matches with I.
- Oligocene Epoch: {Eohippus} was followed by {Mesohippus}, which was slightly larger and had three toes on each foot, with the middle toe being more prominent. So, D matches with II.
- Miocene Epoch: {Merychippus} evolved. This was a more horse-like animal, adapted to grazing on grasslands, and it stood on its middle toe, with the side toes being reduced. So, C matches with IV.
- Pleistocene Epoch: The modern horse genus, {Equus}, evolved. This includes modern horses, donkeys, and zebras, characterized by a single hoof on each foot. So, A matches with III.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Combining the matches: A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II. This corresponds to option (B).