Embryology provides evidence for evolution because a) studying organisms during their early development gives insights as to the organism’s diet and how it has changed over many generations. b) studying organisms during their early development provides clues as to how the adult functions. c) during their development, embryos experience genetic mutations, some of which allow the embryo a better chance of survival. d) many organisms look similar during their development, suggesting that very different organisms may have a common ancestor.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is d) many organisms look similar during their development, suggesting that very different organisms may have a common ancestor.
Explanation:
Embryology, the study of the development of embryos from fertilization to birth, offers compelling evidence for the theory of evolution. One of the most important aspects of embryology is the observation that embryos of different species often look strikingly similar in the early stages of development. This similarity provides insight into the evolutionary relationships among species, supporting the idea of common ancestry.
For example, vertebrate embryos, such as those of humans, birds, and fish, exhibit similar structures early in their development, including features like gill slits and tail-like structures, which are present before the species diverge into their distinct adult forms. These common features suggest that these organisms share a common ancestor that possessed similar developmental traits. As the embryos continue to develop, they gradually acquire their species-specific characteristics, but the initial similarities reflect deep evolutionary connections.
This concept is part of what is known as “ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny,” a hypothesis proposed by Ernst Haeckel. While the theory has been refined over time, the basic idea that embryonic development can reveal evolutionary relationships remains valid. The common embryonic features point to evolutionary divergence from a common ancestor, with changes in development happening over many generations, leading to the diversity of species observed today.
Additionally, embryonic similarities are not restricted to vertebrates. Many invertebrates also share common developmental patterns, further supporting the idea of evolution through common ancestry. This embryological evidence complements other lines of evidence for evolution, such as fossil records and genetic data, reinforcing the idea that life on Earth evolved through gradual changes over time from common ancestors.