Animal Developmental Patterns · Zoology

In amphibians, which hormone is primarily responsible for triggering metamorphosis from a tadpole to an adult frog?

  1. Estrogen (E2)
  2. Thyroxine (T4)
  3. Juvenile hormone (JH)
  4. Ecdysone (20E)
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Thyroxine (T4)

Thyroxine (T4) and its more active form T3 coordinate the sweeping morphological changes of amphibian metamorphosis, including tail resorption, limb growth, and restructuring of the digestive system. Without thyroid hormone signaling, a tadpole remains permanently in larval form.

Difficulty: Medium Question 12 of 20

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