Question:

Which one of the following is living fossil

Updated On: Apr 25, 2024
  • Moss 

  • Saccharomyces 

  • Spirogyra

  • Cycas 

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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Ginkgo biloba earns the designation of a "living fossil" because it is the sole surviving member of its taxonomic group, while all other members of this group have become extinct and are known only from fossil records. A living fossil is a term used to describe a living species that bears a striking resemblance to a species known solely from fossils, often without any closely related living counterparts. This resemblance is usually based on physical similarities between two distinct species, one of which is extinct, and the other is extant. It's worth noting that "living fossil" is an informal, non-scientific term, primarily employed in popular media and discussions.
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Concepts Used:

Evolution

Evolution is a process that occurs in changes in the genetic content of a population over time. Evolutionary change is generally classified into two: microevolution and macroevolution. The process of changes in allele frequencies in a population over time is a microevolutionary process. Three main mechanisms that cause allele frequency change are natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. On the other hand, macroevolution refers to change at or above the level of the species.