Question

Analogous organs arise due to

• A. Divergent evolution
• B. Artificial selection
• C. Genetic drift
• D. Convergent evolution

Hint:

Remember the key distinction: Homologous organs (due to divergent evolution) indicate common ancestry, while Analogous organs (due to convergent evolution) indicate similar environmental pressures leading to similar functions in unrelated species.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Define Analogous Organs

Analogous organs are structures in different species that have a similar function but have evolved from different ancestral origins. They do not share a common embryonic or anatomical origin.
For example, the wings of a bird and the wings of an insect both serve the purpose of flight, but their underlying structures and evolutionary paths are distinct.

Step 2: Evaluate each evolutionary process

• Divergent evolution: Occurs when species diverge from a common ancestor, developing different traits over time, leading to homologous organs. This does not explain analogous organs.
  This option is incorrect.
• Artificial selection: Humans selectively breed organisms for specific traits. It does not directly explain analogous organs in nature.
  This option is incorrect.
• Genetic drift: A random change in allele frequencies. It contributes to evolution but is not the main mechanism for analogous organs.
  This option is incorrect.
• Convergent evolution: Organisms not closely related independently evolve similar traits due to adapting to similar environmental pressures. Analogous organs are prime examples of this.
  This option is correct.

Step 3: Conclude the correct option

Analogous organs result from different species independently evolving similar traits due to similar environmental challenges, which is the definition of convergent evolution.

The final answer is: Convergent evolution.