Write a paragraph that explains how scientists use development of embryos to show that vertebrates evolved from a common ancestor.

Answer 1

Scientists use the study of the development of embryos to show that vertebrates evolved from a common ancestor by examining the similarities in embryonic development across different species. By comparing the embryos of various vertebrates, such as fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals, researchers can identify common developmental stages and structures. These similarities suggest that all vertebrates share a common genetic blueprint inherited from a common ancestor. For example, the presence of gill slits in the embryos of fish, which later develop into jaws in mammals, provides evidence of our shared evolutionary history. Additionally, the patterns of gene expression during embryonic development can reveal evolutionary relationships between different species. Overall, studying the development of embryos helps scientists piece together the evolutionary history of vertebrates and provides further support for the theory of common ancestry.