What was the evolutionary significance of the development of jaws in vertebrates?

• A. Jaws enabled vertebrates to breathe underwater more efficiently.
• B. Jaws allowed vertebrates to develop larger brains.
• C. Jaws allowed vertebrates to process a wider variety of food sources, increasing their survival and diversification.
• D. Jaws provided vertebrates with enhanced sensory capabilities.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: Vertebrates are a group of animals that have a backbone or spinal column. The development of jaws was a significant evolutionary step for these organisms.
2. Consider the function of jaws: Jaws are structures that allow organisms to grasp, manipulate, and process food. This capability is crucial for survival as it directly impacts an organism's ability to feed.
3. Evaluate the evolutionary impact: The development of jaws allowed vertebrates to exploit a wider range of food sources. This adaptability would have increased their chances of survival in various environments.
4. Link to diversification: By being able to process different types of food, vertebrates with jaws could occupy new ecological niches, leading to increased diversification and evolutionary success.
5. Conclude the significance: The ability to process a wider variety of food sources due to the development of jaws was a key factor in the evolutionary success and diversification of vertebrates.