Question

question 7
developmental homologies are shared between embryos of different species as a result of a common ancestor. scientists consider baleen whales related to toothed whales. baleen whales use a filter - feeding system called baleen instead of teeth to capture food. what developmental homologies would provide evidence of common ancestry between baleen and toothed whales?
select one:
○ a. dietary similarities between toothed and baleen whales
○ b. fossilized whales with both baleen and teeth in the jaw
○ c. absence of baleen whales where toothed whales live
○ d. presence of teeth in developing baleen whales

Explanation:

Developmental homologies refer to shared traits in embryonic development from a common ancestor. Option a is about adult diet, not embryonic development. Option b is fossil evidence, not developmental homology. Option c is about habitat distribution, irrelevant to embryonic traits. Option d describes a shared embryonic trait (teeth in developing baleen whales) that links them to toothed whales, fitting the definition of developmental homology.

Answer:

d. Presence of teeth in developing baleen whales