Which of the following is part of the axial skeleton in a mammal?

Explanation

The question is asking which of the following is part of the axial skeleton in a mammal. The axial skeleton is the part of the skeleton that provides support and protection for the central axis of the body. It includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. Option A, phalange, is a bone found in the fingers and toes, and is part of the appendicular skeleton which includes the limbs and girdles. Option B, tarsal, is a bone found in the ankle and is also part of the appendicular skeleton. Option C, sacrum, is the correct answer. It is a large triangular bone at the base of the spine, formed by the fusion of five vertebrae and is part of the vertebral column, which is a component of the axial skeleton. The sacrum connects the spine to the hip bones and helps to transfer weight from the upper body to the lower body. Option D, patella, is commonly known as the kneecap, and is also part of the appendicular skeleton, specifically the leg bones. In summary, the correct answer to the question is Option C, sacrum, which is part of the axial skeleton in a mammal.