Molecular techniques have revealed that ____ caused the loss of forelimbs in snakes.
A) the absence of Hoxc6 and Hoxc8 genes in snake genomes
B) selection in dinosaurian ancestors of snakes
C) the lack of useful limbs
D) mutations in limb buds
E) changes in the spatial pattern of Hoxc8 gene expression

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Changes in the spatial pattern of Hoxc8 gene expression have been identified as a key factor in the evolutionary loss of forelimbs in snakes. Hox genes play a crucial role in determining the body plan and the development of limbs in vertebrates. In snakes, alterations in how and where the Hoxc8 gene is expressed during development have been linked to the evolutionary reduction and eventual loss of forelimbs.

Molecular Techniques Have Revealed That ____ Caused the Loss of Forelimbs