Evolutionary theory has until recently stressed genetic mutations that alter protein amino acid sequences as the major source of variation that leads to speciation. Evo- devo evolutionary developmental biology) offers a different understanding of the role of genetic change in evolution. Which of the following statements best summarizes this understanding?
A) Changes in cell-cell interactions in a parent's body can lead to phenotypic change in offspring.
B) Similar genes are found in most developing animal bodies; changes in the times and places they are expressed can lead to phenotypic variation.
C) Genetic mutations are not as important in evolutionary change as the environment in which the organism develops.
D) Greater numbers of genes, rather than the ways in which they are regulated, lead to the development of more complex animals over time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Evo-devo emphasizes the role of changes in gene expression, rather than mutations in the actual genetic sequence, as the major source of phenotypic variation and evolutionary change. This is because most developing animal bodies share a core set of genes, but the timing and location of their expression can vary greatly, leading to diverse morphologies.

Evolutionary Theory Has Until Recently Stressed Genetic Mutations That Alter