Students prepare a proposal to support the fact that humans belong to the animal kingdom. Which arguments would uphold the hypothesis that humans are animals too?
A. Humans, like other animals, do not have specialized tissues.
B. Humans display alternation of generation going from diploid adults to haploid spores, and from haploid spores to haploid gametes which fuse to form a zygote at fertilization.
C. Humans display all the characteristics of animals including multicellularity, specialized tissues, heterotrophy, sexual reproduction, and body plan modulated by Hox genes.
D. Humans are autotrophs, and we synthesize our own food.
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is C. Humans display all the characteristics of animals including multicellularity, specialized tissues, heterotrophy, sexual reproduction, and body plan modulated by Hox genes.
Explanation:
Humans belong to the animal kingdom, and this classification is supported by several key characteristics that are shared with other animals. First, humans, like all animals, are multicellular organisms. This means that humans are composed of multiple cells that perform specialized functions within the body. For example, humans have different types of cells that make up tissues, organs, and systems.
Humans also possess specialized tissues, which allow for complex functions like muscle movement, nerve signal transmission, and digestion. This specialization is a hallmark of the animal kingdom, where cells are organized into distinct tissues and organs.
Heterotrophy is another characteristic shared by humans and animals. This means that humans obtain their nutrients by consuming other organisms, unlike plants, which are autotrophs that synthesize their own food through photosynthesis. Humans rely on consuming food from the environment to fuel their bodies.
Sexual reproduction is a common feature of most animals, including humans. This process involves the fusion of male and female gametes (sperm and egg) to form a zygote, which then develops into a new organism. This reproductive strategy is vital for genetic diversity within species.
Finally, humans, like other animals, have a body plan regulated by Hox genes. These genes control the development of the body structure and help in the proper organization of tissues and organs during embryonic development. Hox genes are conserved across many animal species, supporting the idea that humans share a common evolutionary ancestry with other animals.
In contrast, options A, B, and D contain inaccuracies or do not reflect the defining characteristics of the animal kingdom.