[Campbell Biology P.1103] According to Figure 47.14c and its description, what is the primary... | Practice Question

According to Figure 47.14c and its description, what is the primary origin and future development of somites?

  • A: Somites are blocks of tissue formed from the mesoderm that will give rise to segmental structures such as vertebrae.
  • B: Somites are formed from the ectoderm and differentiate into the brain and spinal cord.
  • C: Somites are neural crest cells that migrate to form peripheral nerves.
  • D: Somites are part of the archenteron, developing into the digestive cavity.

Explanation

Figure 47.14c's description explicitly states: 'The somites, blocks of tissue that will give rise to segmental structures such as vertebrae. The drawing shows a similar-stage embryo as if cut and viewed in cross section. The somites, formed from mesoderm, flank the notochord.' This directly confirms option A.