Question

hox genes are regulatory genes in multicellular animals that code for transcription factors that determine the basic body plan in a developing embryo. they act as switches that turn other genes on and off. scientists have found that a mutation in a fruit fly hox gene produces flies with legs instead of antennae sticking out of their heads. another hox gene mutation results in fruit flies with two pairs of wings instead of one pair. hox genes affect body plans by controlling the expression of many other genes. many multicellular animals have the same hox genes. which statement is evidence for this claim? (1 point) the body plans of complex animals typically have a large number of mutations. there is a wide variety of body plans in complex animals. the body plans of complex animals are very similar to one another. the body plans of complex animals change over generations

Explanation:

Hox genes determine the basic body plan. If many multicellular animals have the same Hox genes, their body plans would be expected to be similar. A large number of mutations (Option 1) would likely disrupt body plans rather than support similarity. A wide variety of body plans (Option 2) would suggest different Hox genes. Body plans changing over generations (Option 4) is about evolution over time and not directly evidence for same Hox genes. Similar body plans (Option 3) aligns with having the same regulatory (Hox) genes controlling development.

Answer:

The body plans of complex animals are very similar to one another.