In the axolotl, development is altered. Adult axolotls retain features (external gills and aquatic life)that were juvenile in its ancestors, a phenomenon known as
A)"evo-devo."
B)paedomorphosis.
C)punctuated evolution.
D)homology.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paedomorphosis refers to the retention of juvenile features in adult individuals. In the case of axolotls, they retain features like external gills and an aquatic lifestyle, which were present in their juvenile ancestors. Evo-devo (A) refers to the study of how developmental processes have evolved over time. Punctuated evolution (C) refers to a pattern of evolution where long periods of stability are interrupted by brief periods of rapid change. Homology (D) refers to the similarity in structure or function due to a common ancestry. While the axolotl likely shares homologous structures with its ancestors, paedomorphosis is a more specific explanation for the retention of juvenile features in adult individuals.

In the Axolotl, Development Is Altered