Despite having legs similar to a land animal, the *Maiacetus* fossil was definitively classified as an early whale because of what specific evidence?

The location where the fossil was discovered

The overall size and shape of its skull

The presence of a thick, unique ear bone

The structure of its teeth, which were adapted for eating fish

A paleontologist discovers a new fossil with wings like a bat but a skeletal structure otherwise identical to a lizard. Which of the following, if found, would be the strongest evidence for classifying this creature as an early bat?

Finding the fossil in a cave, where bats live today.

Discovering a unique middle ear bone structure that is only found in bats.

Noting that the fossil's teeth are small and sharp, similar to insect-eating bats.

Determining that the fossil is from an era when the first mammals were evolving.

It should be classified as a new species of land-dwelling predator because of its prominent leg bones.

It must be a whale, assuming its other features are identical to *Maiacetus*.

Its classification would remain uncertain pending the discovery of a diagnostic trait.

The fossil would be considered too incomplete to be of any scientific value for classification.