Question

Analogous organs are :

• A. Wing of a bird and wing of a bat
• B. Our arm and dog's fore legs
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. None of the above

Hint:

Analogous Organs: Different structure/origin, {same function}. (Result of convergent evolution). Example: Wing of a bird and wing of an insect. Both for flight, but very different structures. Bird wings (feathers on bones) and bat wings (skin membrane on elongated finger bones) are also often cited as analogous in their function as wings for flight, despite the underlying bones being homologous as vertebrate forelimbs.
Homologous Organs: Same basic structure/origin, {different functions}. (Result of divergent evolution). Example: Human arm, dog's foreleg, bird's wing, whale's flipper (all share a similar bone pattern from a common ancestor). Option (1) is chosen as analogous based on the similar function (flight) achieved through independently evolved modifications of a forelimb.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept:
Analogous Organs: Structures in different species that have similar functions but have evolved independently from different ancestral origins. They typically have different underlying anatomical structures. This is a result of convergent evolution, where unrelated organisms adapt to similar environments or lifestyles. (Think: Different ancestor, similar job).
Homologous Organs: Structures in different species that have a similar underlying anatomical structure and embryonic origin, inherited from a common ancestor, but may have evolved to perform different functions. This is a result of divergent evolution. (Think: Same ancestor, different job). Step 1: Analyzing the options
(1) Wing of a bird and wing of a bat:
Function: Both are used for flight.
Structure & Origin for Flight Adaptation: While both bird and bat wings are modified vertebrate forelimbs (making the underlying bone structure homologous at that level), the flight surfaces and specific modifications for flight evolved independently. Bird wings have feathers attached to the bones. Bat wings consist of a membrane of skin stretched between elongated finger bones. The {wings as flight structures} are considered analogous because they adapted for the same function (flight) independently from a common tetrapod limb, with different structural modifications to achieve that function. If the question focuses purely on "wings for flight," they are analogous. If it focused on "forelimb bone structure," they are homologous. Given "Analogous organs are:", the functional similarity for flight despite different detailed flight surface structures is key.
(2) Our arm and dog's fore legs:
Function: Human arm is used for manipulation, grasping. Dog's foreleg is used for walking, running. Different functions.
Structure & Origin: Both are vertebrate forelimbs and share a common skeletal pattern (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, phalanges) inherited from a common ancestor. These are classic examples of homologous organs (similar structure, common origin, different functions).
(3) Both 1 and 2: Incorrect, as option (2) describes homologous organs.
(4) None of the above: Incorrect if option (1) is considered analogous for flight. Step 2: Conclusion based on the definition of analogous organs The wings of a bird and the wings of a bat serve the same function (flight) and have evolved their specific flight adaptations independently from a common ancestral tetrapod forelimb. The actual flight surfaces (feathers vs. skin membrane) are structurally different adaptations for this common function. Therefore, in the context of "wings for flight," they are considered analogous. A clearer example of analogous organs would be the wing of a bird and the wing of an insect, as their structures and evolutionary origins are vastly different, yet both are used for flight. However, given the options, option (1) is the best fit if focusing on the independent evolution of flight adaptation.