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Item EN046003: Cats, dogs, fish, and birds all share an ancient common ancestor.

Some animals, such as a cat and a dog, have many similarities.  Others, such as a fish and a bird, have fewer similarities.  What is TRUE about the ancestors of these animals?

  1. Cats and dogs share a common ancestor with each other, but fish and birds do not share a common ancestor with each other.
  2. Cats and dogs share a common ancestor with each other, and fish and birds share a common ancestor with each other, but cats and dogs do not share a common ancestor with fish and birds.
  3. Because cats, dogs, fish, and birds are separate species, none of them shares a common ancestor with any other.
  4. Cats, dogs, fish, and birds all share an ancient common ancestor. 
Distribution of responses
Answer Choice
Overall
Grades
Gender
Primary Language
 
n = 1619
6–8
n = 1056
9–12
n = 563
Male
n = 745
Female
n = 822
English
n = 1464
Other
n = 106
A. 41% 42% 39% 41% 41% 41% 41%
B. 21% 21% 21% 19% 22% 21% 22%
C. 22% 25% 16% 22% 22% 22% 19%
D. 17% 12% 25% 18% 15% 16% 19%