The finding that homeotic genes are present in both mammals and insects indicates that these genes must
A)control the same traits.
B)be on the same chromosomes.
C)have arisen very early in the evolutionary history of animals.
D)have developed simultaneously.
E)code for the exact same proteins.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of homeotic genes in both mammals and insects suggests that these genes evolved early in the evolutionary history of animals, before the divergence of these two groups. This is because homeotic genes play a crucial role in determining the body plan of animals, and their presence in multiple groups indicates that they have been conserved through evolution. The other options are not necessarily true - homeotic genes may control different traits in different organisms, they may be located on different chromosomes, and they may code for slightly different proteins.

The Finding That Homeotic Genes Are Present in Both Mammals