Biology · Evolution
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An example of a homologous organ is represented best by which of the following?
- A
Wing of an insect, wing of a bird
- B
Leg of a dog, leg of a spider
- C
The arm of a human, the wing of a bat
- D
All of these
The correct answer is Option C: The arm of a human and the wing of a bat are homologous organs. Both structures originate from the forelimbs of a common ancestor, sharing a similar bone structure pattern—humerus, radius, ulna, and phalanges—despite their different functions in each species. This demonstrates divergent evolution, where evolution has modified these structures for different functions in different environments.
Options A and B are incorrect because they describe analogous structures, which serve similar functions but do not have a common evolutionary origin. Option D is incorrect because not all options describe homologous organs.
The wings of an insect and the wings of a bird are analogous organs, not homologous. They evolved independently to serve similar functions (flying) but do not share a common developmental origin or structural similarity.
The leg of a dog and the leg of a spider are not homologous organs. They differ in their developmental origin and structural composition, belonging to different evolutionary lineages (vertebrates vs. arthropods).
The arm of a human and the wing of a bat are homologous organs. They share a common developmental origin and structural framework, including similar bone arrangements, despite serving different functions. This is a result of divergent evolution from a common ancestor.
This option is incorrect because only the arm of a human and the wing of a bat are homologous organs; the other pairs do not share a common developmental origin.
Tagged under Biology · Evolution · 2021