The quagga, or Equus quagga, an extinct subspecies of the zebra, is not only one of the most intriguing phenomena in the animal kingdom but also an important milestone in genetic research, specifically DNA research. The front part of the quagga was striped and looked like that of any zebra. In the mid-section, the stripes faded and the dark, inter-stripe spaces became wider. The rear part of the quagga was plain brown, devoid of any stripes. Interestingly, Okapi markings are nearly the reverse of the quagga, with the forequarters being mostly plain and the hindquarters being heavily striped although the okapi is a relation of neither the quagga in particular nor the zebra in general - its closest taxonomic relative is the giraffe. The quagga became extinct in the 19th century, possibly as a result of being hunted for its meat, hide, and to preserve feed for domesticated stock. Fortunately, there is a photograph of a living quagga specimen, taken at a London zoo. Still, the quagga's story did not end with its extinction. The quagga was the first extinct creature to have its DNA studied. Part of this genetic research was conducted at the Smithsonian Institution. DNA from mounted specimens was successfully extracted in 1984, but the technology to use recovered DNA for breeding does not yet exist. Hope may arise from the Quagga Project in South Africa, which attempts to recreate the quagga by selective breeding from plains zebra stock, a related zebra subspecies.

Which of the following could be inferred from the passage about the Okapi?

A) A taxonomic examination reveals the genetic resemblance between the Okapi and the quagga.
B) On a superficial examination, the Okapi appears to be related to the zebra.
C) On a superficial examination, the Okapi appears to be related to the giraffe.
D) The Okapi's stripes are a result of genetic traits shared with the giraffe.
E) The Okapi's stripes are a result of genetic traits shared with the zebra.


Could you pls provide your pick with reasoning.

Source: Master GMAT