Comparing single noun with plural nouns

[VivekA925]

Hi,

Recently I have come across SC certain questions where singular noun is compared with the plural noun in the sentence and it is deemed incorrect.
Example -
a. Neanderthals had a vocal tract that resembled those of the apes and so were probably without language, a shortcoming that may explain why they were supplanted by our
own species. - In this sentence, it is said that comparison between the vocal tract of the Neanderthals with those of the apes is incorrect.

Please let me know if it is incorrect only in the sentence above or as a general rule, the singular noun can never be compared to the plural nouns in the sentence.

Thank you.

[Sage Pearce-Higgins]

Before I give my thoughts on this one, please make sure that you check the forum guidelines before posting. Please post the whole problem in the appropriate folder.