Question

why do a chicken embryo and a cow embryo look very similar even though the adults do not?

they are not related, but still have similar development.

they are distantly related, so their development is similar.

the embryos mutate in utero to form different structures.

the genetic makeup of the two species changes during development.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Chicken and cow are related (both vertebrates), so "not related" is wrong.
• Option 2: Chicken (bird) and cow (mammal) are distantly related vertebrates. Embryonic similarity in distantly related species is due to shared evolutionary ancestry, so their early development is similar.
• Option 3: Mutation in utero isn't the reason for embryonic similarity; it's about shared development patterns from evolution.
• Option 4: Genetic makeup (DNA) doesn't change during development of an individual (only gene expression changes), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. They are distantly related, so their development is similar.