Question

Which of the following statements is supported by the information in the figure above? a. The complex structures associated with the compound eyes of arthropods (like the fruit fly Drosophila) is homologous to the complex structures associated with the camera eye of amniotes (like humans). b. The gene PAX6 is homologous for all bilateral animals. c. The camera eye of amniotes (like in humans) is analogous to the camera eye of fish. d. The ability to detect light via specialized light-sensitive cells most likely evolved only once among all animals. e. The developmental pathway that initiates the development of a region in an embryo into either light-sensitive patches or more complex eyes later on is most likely homologous for all bilateral animals.

Answer 1

The supported statement is that the developmental pathway initiating the development of light-sensitive patches or complex eyes is likely homologous for all bilateral animals, due to shared genetic mechanisms like the PAX6 gene.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question asks which statement is supported by the given information regarding the evolutionary relationship and development of eyes in different animals. When we consider the complexity and similarity in structure, we can infer that certain features have evolved due to a common evolutionary past, a concept known as homology. Complex eyes have evolved multiple times in different lineages (an example of convergent evolution), making them analogous structures because they perform similar functions but do not derive from a common ancestor. However, the genetic control of eye development, such as the role of the PAX6 gene, suggests a common genetic origin for the ability to develop eyes, which would be a homologous characteristic at the genetic and developmental level.

After analyzing the provided statements with the given background information, the supported statement is e. The developmental pathway that initiates the development of a region in an embryo into either light-sensitive patches or more complex eyes, later on, is most likely homologous for all bilateral animals. This statement is supported because a shared developmental pathway, likely involving homologous genes like PAX6, leads to the formation of eyes or light-sensitive structures in bilateral animals, despite the resultant eye structures being different and analogous.

Answer 2

The statement supported by the information in the figure above is: b. The gene PAX6 is homologous for all bilateral animals.

The correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

b. The gene PAX6 is known for its critical role in eye development across various bilateral animals. It plays a fundamental role in the formation of eyes in a wide range of organisms, indicating its homologous nature among bilateral animals.

a. The complex structures associated with the compound eyes of arthropods (like the fruit fly Drosophila) is homologous to the complex structures associated with the camera eye of amniotes (like humans).

This statement is not directly supported by the information in the figure. While it is understood that both compound eyes of arthropods and camera eyes of amniotes serve visual functions, their specific evolutionary relationship regarding homology or analogy is not explicitly addressed in the figure.

b. The gene PAX6 is homologous for all bilateral animals.

This statement is supported. The figure suggests that PAX6 plays a critical role in eye development across various bilateral animals, indicating its homologous nature among them.

c. The camera eye of amniotes (like in humans) is analogous to the camera eye of fish.

The figure does not provide direct information to support or refute the analogy between the camera eye of amniotes and fish.

d. The ability to detect light via specialized light-sensitive cells most likely evolved only once among all animals.

The figure doesn’t explicitly discuss the evolution of light detection and specialized light-sensitive cells among animals, so this statement cannot be directly supported by the information provided.

e. The developmental pathway that initiates the development of a region in an embryo into either light-sensitive patches or more complex eyes later on is most likely homologous for all bilateral animals.

The figure does not specifically address the developmental pathway leading to the formation of light-sensitive patches or complex eyes, making it unclear whether this pathway is homologous for all bilateral animals.

So, the correct option is B.