Question

images of the embryo and adult stages of three different organisms are shown.
organism | embryo | adult
grasshopper | embryo image | adult grasshopper image
spider | embryo image | adult spider image
centipede | embryo image | adult centipede image
which of the following is the best conclusion that can be drawn from this evidence?

1. having similar embryos indicates that these organisms eat the same types of food.
2. having similar embryos indicates that these organisms live in a similar environment.
3. having similar embryos indicates that these organisms share a recent common ancestor.
4. having similar embryos indicates that a certain protein controls how many legs the adult organisms will have.

Explanation:

• Option 1: Embryo similarity doesn't relate to food type. Grasshoppers, spiders, and centipedes have different diets, so this is incorrect.
• Option 2: Embryo similarity isn't an indicator of environmental similarity. These organisms can live in different habitats, so this is wrong.
• Option 3: In evolutionary biology, similar embryonic development is evidence of a recent common ancestor (related to the theory of evolution and comparative embryology). This matches the concept.
• Option 4: Embryo similarity doesn't imply a specific protein controls leg number. This is not supported by the evidence.

Answer:

1. Having similar embryos indicates that these organisms share a recent common ancestor