The student wants to emphasize the fossil’s significance. Which choice most effectively uses relevant information from the notes to accomplish this goal?
A
Canadian paleobiologist Natalia Rybczynski’s fossil has the skull and teeth of a seal, which, like sea lions and walruses, is a pinniped.
B
Pinnipeds are descended from four-legged, land-dwelling carnivores; a fossil that resembles both was recently found.
C
Having four legs but the skull and teeth of a seal, the rare fossil illustrates an early stage in the evolution of pinnipeds from their land-dwelling ancestors.
D
A “transitional fossil” was recently found by paleobiologist Natalia Rybczynski.
Explanation
Correct answer: C.
Choice C is the best answer. The sentence effectively emphasizes the fossil’s significance, explaining that the fossil is rare and illustrates an early stage in the evolution of pinnipeds from their land-dwelling ancestors.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect. The sentence describes the fossil Rybczynski found; it doesn’t emphasize the fossil’s significance.
Choice B
Choice B is incorrect. The sentence mentions that a fossil resembling both pinnipeds and their ancestors was found; it doesn’t emphasize the fossil’s significance.
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect. The sentence notes a term used to describe the fossil Rybczynski found; it doesn’t emphasize the fossil’s significance.