Question

Embryological support for evolution was proposed by:

• A. Ernst Heckel
• B. Karl Ernst von Baer
• C. Charles Darwin
• D. Alfred Wallace

Answer 1

The correct option is A Ernst Heckel

Embryological support for evolution was proposed by Ernst Haeckel. His theory was based upon the observation that certain features are common to all vertebrates during the embryonic stages.

For example, the embryos of all vertebrates including humans develop a row of vestigial gill slits just behind the head but it is a functional organ only in fish and not in other adult vertebrates. This shows that all vertebrates originated from a common ancestor.

However, this theory was in contradiction to what was proposed by Karl Ernst von Baer. He stated that embryos never pass through the adult stages of other animals.

Darwin proposed the theory of natural selection. The process of natural selection and inheritance of useful variations over many generations lead to the formation of new species.

Alfred Wallace worked in the Malay Archipelago and came to similar conclusions as that of Darwin. He also believed that natural selection is a driving force for evolution.