[Campbell Biology P.756] According to the text, what was the primary driver of the diversity... | Practice Question

According to the text, what was the primary driver of the diversity of arthropod body plans?

  • A: The acquisition of entirely new Hox genes.
  • B: Changes in the sequence or regulation of existing Hox genes.
  • C: The evolution of entirely new types of sensory organs.
  • D: Adaptations for molting and exoskeleton development.

Explanation

The text explicitly states: "Their results indicate that the diversity of arthropod body plans did not arise from the acquisition of new Hox genes. Instead, the evolution of body segment diversity in arthropods was probably driven by changes in the sequence or regulation of existing Hox genes."