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Multiple Choice
Which of the following best explains the presence of prolactin in various vertebrate species?
A
Prolactin is an evolutionarily conserved hormone that performs diverse functions in different vertebrates.
B
Prolactin is a hormone unique to invertebrates and not present in vertebrates.
C
Prolactin is only found in mammals and is absent in other vertebrates.
D
Prolactin is produced exclusively for the regulation of blood glucose levels.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the role of prolactin as a hormone. Prolactin is a peptide hormone primarily associated with lactation in mammals, but it also has diverse functions across vertebrate species, such as regulating reproduction, osmoregulation, and immune responses.
Step 2: Recognize the concept of evolutionary conservation. Evolutionarily conserved hormones are those that have been maintained throughout evolution due to their essential roles in various biological processes across different species.
Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, the statement 'Prolactin is unique to invertebrates and not present in vertebrates' is incorrect because prolactin is found in vertebrates. Similarly, 'Prolactin is only found in mammals and is absent in other vertebrates' is incorrect because prolactin is present in non-mammalian vertebrates as well.
Step 4: Evaluate the statement 'Prolactin is produced exclusively for the regulation of blood glucose levels.' This is incorrect because prolactin has multiple functions beyond glucose regulation, such as lactation, reproduction, and osmoregulation.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct explanation is 'Prolactin is an evolutionarily conserved hormone that performs diverse functions in different vertebrates,' as it aligns with the hormone's presence across vertebrate species and its varied roles in biological processes.