Final answer:
In animals, the removal of finger webbing during embryonic development is accomplished through apoptosis, a programmed cell death mechanism that is essential for proper limb formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process through which the webbing of fingers is removed in animals is apoptosis. During embryonic development in vertebrates, apoptosis is a crucial biological mechanism that ensures the proper formation of fingers and toes by eliminating the cells in the web-like tissue that initially connects them. This programmed cell death is initiated by a cell signaling mechanism designed to precisely target and destroy the cells between the developing digits, thereby allowing for fully separate fingers and toes.
Apoptosis is distinct from other cellular processes such as mitosis (which is involved in cell division), cytokinesis (the division of the cytoplasm at the end of cell division), and meiosis (the process of creating gametes with half the genetic material). It is particularly essential during embryonic development, as it helps shape and define organisms by removing unnecessary or potentially harmful cells.