Which of the following is considered a direct ancestor of modern humans (Homo sapiens)? MCQ with Answer and Explanation

Explanation:
Mammals are distinguished by the presence of mammary glands in females that secrete milk for nourishing young. They are warm-blooded, have hair/fur, and most give birth to live young (viviparous), though monotremes like platypus lay eggs. Feathers are characteristic of birds. Cold-blooded refers to ectotherms (reptiles, amphibians, fish). Mammals are endotherms.

Explanation:
Industrial melanism is a classic example of natural selection in action. Before the industrial revolution, light-colored moths were more common as they blended with lichen-covered trees, avoiding predators. Pollution killed the lichen and darkened the trees, making dark-colored (melanic) moths better camouflaged. The population shifted to predominantly dark moths, demonstrating survival of the fittest.

Explanation:
Meiosis consists of two successive divisions resulting in four genetically diverse haploid cells (gametes). Mitosis produces two identical diploid cells, amitosis is direct nuclear division, binary fission is prokaryotic asexual reproduction.