Question

Match LIST-I with LIST-II
\begin{tabularx}{0.8\textwidth}{|l|X|l|X|} \hline \multicolumn{2}{|c|}{LIST-I} & \multicolumn{2}{c|}{LIST-II}
\multicolumn{2}{|c|}{Period} & \multicolumn{2}{c|}{Genra of horse}
\hline A. & Pleistocene & I. & Eohippus
B. & Eocene & II. & Mesohippus
C. & Miocene & III. & Equus
D. & Oligocene & IV. & Merychippus
\hline \end{tabularx}
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. A - I, B - II, C - III, D - IV
• B. A - III, B - I, C - IV, D - II
• C. A - I, B - II, C - IV, D - III
• D. A - III, B - IV, C - I, D - II

Hint:

A mnemonic to remember the order of the epochs and the key genera is "Eat On My Plate".

\textbf{E}at (\textbf{E}ocene) \(\rightarrow\) \textbf{E}ohippus
\textbf{O}n (\textbf{O}ligocene) \(\rightarrow\) Mes\textbf{o}hippus
\textbf{M}y (\textbf{M}iocene) \(\rightarrow\) \textbf{M}erychippus
\textbf{P}late (\textbf{P}leistocene) \(\rightarrow\) Pliohippus/\textbf{Equus} \end{itemize}

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept Overview:
This question assesses understanding of horse evolutionary history, a well-documented example in the fossil record. The task is to correlate geological epochs with ancestral horse genera.

Step 2: Detailed Correlation:
The general chronological order of horse evolution is:
- Eocene Epoch: {Eohippus} (or {Hyracotherium}), the earliest ancestor, emerged. This small, dog-sized animal had multiple toes. Thus, B corresponds to I.
- Oligocene Epoch: {Mesohippus} followed {Eohippus}. It was slightly larger with three toes per foot, the middle toe being dominant. Thus, D corresponds to II.
- Miocene Epoch: {Merychippus} evolved. This more horse-like animal was adapted to grazing and stood on its middle toe, with reduced side toes. Thus, C corresponds to IV.
- Pleistocene Epoch: The modern horse genus, {Equus}, evolved, encompassing modern horses, donkeys, and zebras, all with a single hoof per foot. Thus, A corresponds to III.

Step 3: Solution:
The complete matching is: A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II, which is option (B).