Embryological Evidence vs Recapitulation — NEET Biology
📚 Practice ConceptEmbryological support for evolution was also proposed by Ernst Heckel based upon the observation of certain features during embryonic stage common to all vertebrates that are absent in adult. For example, the embryos of all vertebrates including human develop a row of vestigial gill slit just behind the head but it is a functional organ only in fish and not found in any other adult vertebrates. However, this proposal was disapproved on careful study performed by Karl Ernst von Baer. He noted that embryos never pass through the adult stages of other animals.
Match the following : Column I A. Reproductive fitness B. Ernst Haeckel C. Alfred Wallace D. Common ancestry E. Fossils Column II 1. Observed patterns of species distribution in Malay Archipelago leading to evolutionary insights 2. Survival and leaving more progeny in an environment 3. Remains of hard parts preserved in rock sediments 4. Proposed embryonic features common to all vertebrates as evidence for evolution 5. Similarities among existing life forms indicate shared origin
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Correct answer: B — A–2, B–4, C–1, D–5, E–3
Reproductive fitness → 2: Better adapted organisms leave more progeny. Ernst Haeckel → 4: Embryonic features common to vertebrates but absent in adults (e.g., gill slits). Alfred Wallace → 1: Species distribution studies in Malay Archipelago. Common ancestry → 5: Shared similarities among life forms. Fossils → 3: Preserved remains in rock sediments.
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