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Which component primarily makes up the skeleton in mature higher vertebrates?
Muscle
Bone
Nerves
Cartilage
The correct answer is: Bone
The primary component that makes up the skeleton in mature higher vertebrates is bone. In these organisms, the skeletal system is primarily responsible for providing structure, protection for internal organs, and facilitating movement through its interaction with muscles. Bone is a dense, hard connective tissue that is rich in minerals, providing strength and support to the body. It not only forms the framework of the skeleton but also plays a crucial role in the production of blood cells within the bone marrow and in the storage of essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. While muscles, nerves, and cartilage play important roles in the body, they each serve different functions. Muscles are responsible for movement, nerves facilitate communication between the brain and the body, and cartilage provides flexible support and cushioning in certain joints but does not provide the rigid structure that bone does. Thus, bone’s unique properties and functions make it the fundamental component of the skeletal system in higher vertebrates.