Take The Quiz To Learn About Analogous & Homologous Characters

Vestigial organs/structures are certain body parts that ancestors had but are no longer necessary or useful in the present. These organs or structures have reduced in size or lost their original function due to evolution. They are remnants of evolutionary history and are often found in organisms that have undergone significant changes over time. Examples of vestigial organs in humans include the appendix and tailbone, which serve no apparent purpose.

Bird wings and butterfly wings are an example of analogous structures. Analogous structures are similar in function and appearance but have different evolutionary origins. In this case, both bird wings and butterfly wings serve the purpose of flight, but they have different anatomical structures and evolutionary histories. This suggests that they have independently evolved similar adaptations to suit their needs for flight in their respective environments.

Two organisms that are closely related would have very similar DNA sequences. This is because closely related organisms share a common ancestor and therefore have a high degree of genetic similarity. Over time, as organisms evolve and diverge, their DNA sequences accumulate small changes, but the overall sequence remains similar. By comparing DNA sequences, scientists can determine the degree of relatedness between different species and understand their evolutionary relationships.

Analogous structures refer to body parts in different organisms that have similar functions but different structures. This means that even though the anatomy of these structures may differ, they serve the same purpose or perform similar functions. This is different from homologous structures, which have similar anatomy and indicate a common evolutionary ancestry. Therefore, the correct statement about analogous structures is that they perform similar functions.

The fossil record provides evidence of evolution by showing aged and identified fossils. Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, and they provide a window into the past. By studying fossils, scientists can determine the age of different species and track their evolutionary changes over time. This evidence supports the idea that organisms have evolved and changed over millions of years. Comparative embryology, comparative biochemistry, and comparative anatomy also provide evidence of evolution, but they do not specifically deal with aged and identified fossils.

The correct answer is that the wings of a bat and the wings of a bird are analogous organs. This means that although they serve a similar function (flight), they have different evolutionary origins. Bats are mammals and birds are avian, so their wings have evolved independently in response to similar environmental pressures. Therefore, they are not homologous organs (derived from a common ancestor) but rather analogous (similar in function but not in structure or origin).

Homologous organs are structures that have a similar basic structure and origin, but they may have different functions in different organisms. This suggests that they have evolved from a common ancestor. On the other hand, analogous organs are structures that have a similar function but different structure and origin. This suggests that they have evolved independently in different organisms to serve the same purpose. Therefore, the correct answer is that homologous organs perform different functions whereas analogous organs perform the same functions.

Comparing anatomy is the correct answer because it involves studying the similarities and differences in the physical structures of different organisms. Homologous structures are anatomical features that have a similar structure but may have different functions, indicating a common ancestry. Vestigial structures are remnants of organs or structures that were functional in the ancestors of an organism but are no longer functional in the organism itself. By comparing the anatomy of different organisms, scientists can identify homologous and vestigial structures, providing evidence for evolution.

Fitness refers to an organism's ability to survive and reproduce in its environment. It is a measure of how well an organism is adapted to its surroundings and how successful it is in passing on its genes to the next generation. Organisms with higher fitness are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the propagation of their advantageous traits in the population over time.