Final answer:
The latest point in pregnancy at which a human fetus can likely absorb another is before the end of the 12th week, when the fetus is smaller and less complex organ systems have developed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The latest point in pregnancy at which a human fetus can absorb another human fetus is known as fetal resorption or the vanishing twin syndrome. This can occur at various stages of fetal development. However, since the question provides specific options, it is worth noting that by 16 weeks, the fetus has developed partially functioning organs, the sex organs begin to differentiate, and the body structures are forming rapidly. It is at this stage that the fetus is becoming more complex and the likelihood of one fetus absorbing another is greatly diminished due to their size and development. Therefore, it would be most likely to occur before this stage, and depending on specific scientific literature, which might suggest earlier stages such as before the end of the 12th week, when organ systems are less developed and the fetus is smaller in size. Given the options provided, the closest answer would be (B) 12 weeks.
The latest point in pregnancy at which a human fetus can absorb another human fetus is not specified in the provided information. However, according to fetal development, the fetal stage extends from the beginning of week 9 after fertilization to about 38 weeks after fertilization, which is the average time of birth. By week 16, the fetus is approximately 4.5 inches long and the organs have formed enough for a premature fetus to have a chance to survive outside the mother's womb.