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 that a mutation in a fruit fly hox gene produces flies with legs instead of antennae sticking out of their heads. Another hox gene mutation results in fruit flies with two pairs of wings instead of one pair. Hox genes affect body plans by controlling the expression of many other genes.

Question

Many multicellular animals have the same hox genes. Which statement is evidence for this claim?

(1 point)
Responses

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

The body plans of complex animals typically have a large number of mutations.
The body plans of complex animals typically have a large number of mutations.

There is a wide variety of body plans in complex animals.
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Answer 1

The correct response is:

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

This statement provides evidence for the claim that many multicellular animals have the same hox genes, as similar body plans suggest that the underlying genetic mechanisms, including hox genes, are conserved across different species.