Some Molecular Data Place the Giant Panda in the Bear

Multiple Choice

Some molecular data place the giant panda in the bear family (Ursidae) but place the lesser panda in the raccoon family (Procyonidae) . If the molecular data best reflect the evolutionary history of these two groups, then the morphological similarities of these two species is most likely due to ________.

A) the inheritance of acquired characteristics
B) sexual selection
C) inheritance of shared derived characters
D) possession of homoplasic (convergent) traits
E) possession of shared ancestral characters