The Snakes Include Some Rather Short and Some Incredibly Long

question 40

Multiple Choice

The snakes include some rather short and some incredibly long species,with a variation from about 100 to over 300 vertebrae.What developmental mechanism is the best candidate for changing the number of vertebrae in evolution?

• A)Changes in genes that lay down extracellular matrix in bone
• B)Changes in genes necessary for neural crest development
• C)Changes in genes that control mitosis
• D)Changes in the somitogenesis clock

---

Definitions:

Louis XIII

King of France from 1610 to 1643, known for strengthening the French monarchy and establishing absolute monarchy as the form of government.

Valois Dynasty

A royal dynasty of France that ruled from 1328 to 1589, known for its involvement in the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion.

Catherine de'Medici

A prominent figure in French history, she was queen consort of France from 1547 to 1559 and played a significant role in the political and religious conflict of her times.

Mercenaries

Individuals or groups hired to fight in an armed conflict but are not part of the regular army or fighting forces of a country.