The pattern of embryonic development in which only the cells lacking yolk subsequently undergo cleavage is called ________.
A) holoblastic development, which is typical of marsupial mammals
B) meroblastic development, which is typical of humans
C) holoblastic development, which is typical of amphibians
D) meroblastic development, which is typical of birds

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Meroblastic development, which is typical of birds, involves only the cells lacking yolk undergoing cleavage, resulting in an embryo sitting on top of a yolk mass. Holoblastic development results in the entire embryo undergoing cleavage and is typical of amphibians and many invertebrates, while marsupial mammals undergo a type of holoblastic development known as discoidal cleavage. Humans undergo a type of holoblastic development known as radial cleavage.

The Pattern of Embryonic Development in Which Only the Cells