What is the purpose of the chalaza in chick eggs?

The chalaza in chick eggs plays a crucial role in maintaining the position of the yolk within the egg, which is essential for providing a stable environment for the developing embryo. It consists of thickened strands of protein that anchor the yolk in the center of the albumen (egg white), preventing the yolk from moving around too much. By keeping the yolk centered, the chalaza helps ensure that the developing embryo has consistent access to nutrients that are supplied by the yolk, as well as a reliable support structure during early development.

However, the specific purpose of connecting to the egg shells for nutrient acquisition is not the actual role of the chalaza. The yolk itself contains the nutrients needed for development, and the egg provides the necessary environment for the embryo to grow. Thus, while the chalaza helps maintain position and structural integrity, it does not directly facilitate nutrient acquisition by connecting to the eggshell. The nutrient acquisition happens through the yolk being absorbed by the developing embryo, not through a connection with the eggshell.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect the specific function of the chalaza. While structural support is a general characteristic of the chalaza, its primary role is more about positioning rather than pure support.