Evolutionary theory has until recently stressed genetic mutations that alter protein amino acid sequences as the major source of variation that leads to speciation.Evo-devo (evolutionary developmental biology)offers a different understanding of the role of genetic change in evolution.Which of the following statements best summarizes this understanding?
A)Genetic mutations are not as important in evolutionary change as the environment in which the organism develops.
B)Changes in cell-cell interactions in a parent's body can lead to phenotypic change in offspring.
C)Similar genes are found in most developing animal bodies;changes in the times and places they are expressed can lead to phenotypic variation.
D)Greater numbers of genes in an animal's genome produce a wider variety of morphological structures and patterns.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Evo-devo emphasizes that changes in the expression of similar genes found in most developing animal bodies can lead to phenotypic variation. These changes can be brought on by alterations to the timing and location of when these genes are expressed, rather than by changes in the genetic code itself.

Evolutionary Theory Has Until Recently Stressed Genetic Mutations That Alter