Embryology

Question

Unborn or unhatched offspring are called embryos. The study of these embryos is known as embryology. By studying the development of different types of organisms, scientists can compare and contrast their growth at different stages of development.

The diagram shows the different stages of embryo development in five organisms.

The diagram shows five stages of embryo development in five different organisms: fish, tortoise, chicken, rabbit, and human. The first stage shows the eggs of all the organisms. The second stage shows all the embryos developing a head and a curved tail. The third stage shows all the embryos beginning to develop limbs and curling up, except for the fish, which becomes long and straight. The fourth stage shows all embryos developing facial features and starting to differ from each other in appearance. The fifth stage shows what the embryos will look like once they are born or hatched.

Multiple Select Question
Which two patterns can be seen in the diagram of embryo stage development?

A.
Not all of the organisms begin their development as an egg in Stage 1.

B.
The embryos have the most similar in appearance to each other in Stage 2.

C.
Fish begin to take on a different appearance from the other organisms in Stage 3.

D.
Mammal embryos have more detailed facial features than other organisms in stage 4.

E.
The organisms appear to be the most physically similar to each other in Stage 5.

Answer 1

Based on the description of the stages of embryo development provided, the two patterns that can be seen in the diagram are:

C. Fish begin to take on a different appearance from the other organisms in Stage 3.

D. Mammal embryos have more detailed facial features than other organisms in stage 4.

These two options highlight specific observations regarding the differentiating features and stages of development for the organisms mentioned. Option A is incorrect as all organisms in the study do begin their development as an egg, option B is incorrect because the embryos are still quite similar in stage 1, and option E is incorrect because the organisms show distinct differences in appearance in Stage 5.