The finding that homeotic genes are present in both mammals and insects indicates that these genes must
A)control the same traits.
B)be on the same chromosomes.
C)have arisen very early in the evolutionary history of animals.
D)have developed independently and simultaneously.
E)have been transmitted into mammals by an insect bite.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of homeotic genes in both mammals and insects indicates that these genes must have arisen very early in the evolutionary history of animals, before the divergence of these two major groups. This is because the genes are highly conserved, meaning they have been passed down relatively unchanged for millions of years.

The Finding That Homeotic Genes Are Present in Both Mammals