hox genes are regulatory genes in multicellular animals that code for transcription factors that determine the basic body plan in a developing embryo. they act as switches that turn other genes on and off. Scientists have found a mutation in a fruit fly hox gene produces flies with ligs instead of antennae sticking oyt of their heads. another hox gene mutation resultes in fruit flies with two ppairs of wings instead of one pair. Hox genes affect body plans by controlling the expression of many other genes. Many multicellular animals have the same hox genes. which statement is evidence for this claim?

the body plans of complex animals typically have a large number of mutations
the body plans of complex animals are very similar to one another
the body plans of complex animals change over generations
there is a wide variety of body plans in complex animals

1 answer

The statement that provides evidence for the claim that "Hox genes affect body plans by controlling the expression of many other genes" is:

"The body plans of complex animals are very similar to one another."

This similarity suggests that Hox genes, which are conserved across many multicellular animal species, play a crucial role in establishing and regulating similar body plans during development.