Question

question 8 of 10
how can embryonic development be used as evidence for evolution?
a. dna is similar in closely related species.
b. closely related species have very different embryos.
c. related species have similar embryos.
d. similar species have homologous structures.

Explanation:

During embryonic development, similar species (which are often related through evolution) show homologous structures. Homologous structures are anatomical features that are similar in different species because they are inherited from a common ancestor. This similarity in embryonic - stage homologous structures provides evidence for evolution. For example, the early embryos of vertebrates (such as humans, chickens, and fish) have similar gill - slit like structures and tail structures. As development progresses, these structures may be modified or lost in different ways in different species, but their presence in the embryo indicates a common evolutionary origin.

Option A is about DNA similarity (which is a molecular - level evidence for evolution but not directly related to embryonic development as asked in the question). Option B is incorrect because closely related species do not have very different embryos (in fact, they have more similar embryos compared to distantly related species). Option C is also incorrect as related species have more similar embryos rather than very different ones.

Answer:

D. Similar species have homologous structures.