Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of homology (similarity due to common ancestry)?
A
The eye of a human and the eye of an octopus
B
The wing of a bat and the flipper of a whale
C
The tail fin of a shark and the tail fin of a dolphin
D
The wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bird
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of homology: Homology refers to similarities between organisms that are due to shared ancestry. Structures that are homologous may have different functions but share a common evolutionary origin.
Identify the examples given: The problem provides four examples: the eye of a human and the eye of an octopus, the wing of a bat and the flipper of a whale, the tail fin of a shark and the tail fin of a dolphin, and the wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bird.
Analyze the evolutionary relationships: Consider the evolutionary lineage of each pair. Homologous structures are derived from a common ancestor, even if they serve different functions in the present-day organisms.
Evaluate the anatomical structures: The wing of a bat and the flipper of a whale are both forelimbs that have evolved differently in mammals, indicating a common ancestry despite their different functions.
Conclude with the correct example: Based on the analysis, the wing of a bat and the flipper of a whale are homologous structures, as they share a common evolutionary origin in mammals.