Which of the following pairs of structures is considered to be homolog...
Homologous organs that have the same fundamental basic structure, however, have diverse capacities are called homologous organs. Eg. The forelimbs of frog, human, reptile and feathered creatures. The forelimbs of people help in getting a handle on, of reptiles help for running, of frog for bouncing and of winged animal for flying.
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Which of the following pairs of structures is considered to be homolog...
Homologous structures are structures that have a similar origin but may have different functions. They are derived from a common ancestor and have undergone modifications over time to adapt to different environments and functions. In the given options, the pair of structures that is considered to be homologous is the forelimbs of a bat and the forelegs of a horse.
1. Homologous Structures:
The forelimbs of a bat and the forelegs of a horse share several similarities in their structure, despite their different functions. Both structures have a similar skeletal arrangement, consisting of the same set of bones arranged in similar patterns. For example, both the forelimb of a bat and the foreleg of a horse contain a humerus, radius, and ulna, as well as carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges.
2. Common Ancestor:
The presence of these similar structures points to a common ancestor that possessed these forelimb structures. This ancestor likely had a limb structure that was adapted for locomotion and manipulation. Over time, as different species evolved and adapted to different environments and lifestyles, these forelimbs underwent modifications and developed different functions.
3. Different Functions:
While the forelimbs of a bat are modified into wings for flight, the forelegs of a horse are adapted for running and support. Despite these functional differences, the underlying skeletal structure remains similar, indicating their homologous nature.
4. Adaptive Modifications:
The modification of forelimbs into wings in bats and forelegs into running supports in horses is an example of adaptive modification. This process occurs due to natural selection and the need to adapt to specific environmental conditions and survival strategies.
In summary, the forelimbs of a bat and the forelegs of a horse are considered to be homologous structures. They share a similar skeletal arrangement, indicating a common ancestor, despite their different functions resulting from adaptive modifications.
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