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Which of the following is an example of homologous structures indicating common ancestry?
- a)Wings of butterflies and birds.
- b)Flippers of penguins and dolphins.
- c)Forelimbs of whales, bats, and humans.
- d)Sweet potato roots and potato stems.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following is an example of homologous structures indicati...
Homologous structures, like the forelimbs of whales, bats, and humans, have similar anatomical structures (humerus, radius, ulna, etc.) despite different functions, indicating divergent evolution from a common ancestor. The other options represent analogous structures due to convergent evolution.
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Which of the following is an example of homologous structures indicati...
Understanding Homologous Structures
Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, even if their functions may differ. They provide evidence for evolution and illustrate how species have diverged from a common ancestor over time.
Why Option C is Correct
Option C refers to the forelimbs of whales, bats, and humans. Here's why this is a prime example of homologous structures:
- Common Ancestry: All three species-whales (mammals), bats (mammals), and humans (mammals)-share a common ancestor. Over millions of years, their forelimbs have evolved to adapt to different environments and functions.
- Similar Bone Structure: Despite their different appearances and uses (swimming in whales, flying in bats, and manipulation in humans), the bone structure of these forelimbs is fundamentally similar. They all possess similar arrangements of bones, such as the humerus, radius, and ulna.
- Divergent Evolution: The differences in function (e.g., swimming vs. flying) demonstrate divergent evolution, where species evolve different traits while retaining a common skeletal framework.
Other Options Explained
- Option A: Wings of butterflies and birds are an example of analogous structures, not homologous, as they evolved independently for flight.
- Option B: Flippers of penguins and dolphins are also analogous structures, adapting independently for swimming.
- Option D: Sweet potato roots and potato stems are examples of different plant parts and do not indicate common ancestry.
Conclusion
In summary, option C exemplifies homologous structures due to shared ancestry and similar bone structure among different species, highlighting the evolutionary relationships among them.
Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, even if their functions may differ. They provide evidence for evolution and illustrate how species have diverged from a common ancestor over time.
Why Option C is Correct
Option C refers to the forelimbs of whales, bats, and humans. Here's why this is a prime example of homologous structures:
- Common Ancestry: All three species-whales (mammals), bats (mammals), and humans (mammals)-share a common ancestor. Over millions of years, their forelimbs have evolved to adapt to different environments and functions.
- Similar Bone Structure: Despite their different appearances and uses (swimming in whales, flying in bats, and manipulation in humans), the bone structure of these forelimbs is fundamentally similar. They all possess similar arrangements of bones, such as the humerus, radius, and ulna.
- Divergent Evolution: The differences in function (e.g., swimming vs. flying) demonstrate divergent evolution, where species evolve different traits while retaining a common skeletal framework.
Other Options Explained
- Option A: Wings of butterflies and birds are an example of analogous structures, not homologous, as they evolved independently for flight.
- Option B: Flippers of penguins and dolphins are also analogous structures, adapting independently for swimming.
- Option D: Sweet potato roots and potato stems are examples of different plant parts and do not indicate common ancestry.
Conclusion
In summary, option C exemplifies homologous structures due to shared ancestry and similar bone structure among different species, highlighting the evolutionary relationships among them.
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