Which statement is a general principle of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo)?
A) Each group of animals is distinct in the regulatory molecules controlling the animals' development.
B) Embryonic development is protected from environmental influences.
C) A change in the timing of expression of particular genes during development is always lethal and is therefore not a mechanism for evolutionary change.
D) A change in the location of expression of particular genes during development can be a mechanism for evolutionary change.
E) Evolution does not act at the level of the embryo.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One of the general principles of evo-devo is that a change in the location of expression of particular genes during development can be a mechanism for evolutionary change. This means that altering the timing or location of gene expression during development can drive morphological evolution. This principle is supported by numerous examples in literature, such as the evolution of bird beaks and butterfly wing patterns.

Which Statement Is a General Principle of Evolutionary Developmental Biology