Which of the following best describes the evolutionary process of horses from their ancient ancestors?

The evolution of horses from their ancient ancestors is best described by the change from a multi-toed to a single-toed structure. This evolutionary transition is significant because it illustrates how horses adapted to their environments to enhance their survival and efficiency. Ancient horse ancestors, such as Eohippus, had multiple toes that allowed for better navigation in forested areas and soft ground. As horses evolved, they adapted to open grasslands where speed and stability were more beneficial.

This led to the development of a single-toed structure, which is better suited for running on hard surfaces. The evolution of the hoof from a multi-toed ancestor provided horses with improved balance and speed, allowing them to outrun predators and cover large distances in search of food and water. By focusing on this aspect of their evolution, we see how structural changes directly correlate with behavioral and ecological adaptations essential for survival in changing habitats.

Other options, while related to the broader aspects of horse evolution, do not capture this specific and critical transition as effectively. For instance, adaptation to aquatic environments does not pertain to horse evolution since horses are terrestrial mammals. Evolution of speed and endurance is a result of several factors, including the change in limb structure, but the single-toe evolution is the