Do you think the "Hox" gene could be responsible for the lack of "missing link" fossils?

Question

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hox_gene

I'm currently reading a biology book, part of which touches on genetics which mentions the Hox gene, and suggests that it may at least partly explain the lack of such missing links in the fossil records for certain species.

This really makes a lot of sense to me, and it seems to be a logical conclusion. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

Well, first of all, we do have a lot of "transitional" fossils, especially considering the conditions needed to make fossils.  But, it is likely that mutations to Hox genes caused rapid changes to body forms that would reduce the amount of time a species was around, and therefore drastically reducing the probability that many get fossilized.

Answer 2

Maybe

Answer 3

Only perhaps with very early evolution. I think the more likely reason for missing links is that the organism didn't happen to die and not get eaten in suitable fossil-forming environments, eg mud. There's a lot of chance in making fossils.