Question

Which one of the following are analogous structures?

• A. Wings of bat and wings of pigeon
• B. Gills of prawn and lungs of man
• C. Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita
• D. Flippers of dolphin and legs of horse

Hint:

Analogous structures are structures in different organisms that serve the same purpose but have a different structural plan and no evolutionary relationship. 

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The organs with similar functions but different in structural details and origin are known as analogous organs. 

• The wings of bats are analogous to the wings of pigeons. This is because the basic structure of mammalian wings is different from the wings of the bird but has similar functions. 
• Similarly, the gills of prawns and the lungs of man, both are respiratory organs yet they have very different basic structures.

Hence, option B) Gills of prawn and lungs of man is the correct answer.

Answer 2

Analogous organs are organs performing similar functions but having different structural designs, not inherited from a common ancestor. 

• They are a result of convergent evolution, meaning different organisms evolved with different structures to adapt to similar environments. 
• For example, the wings of birds and insects evolved independently but both support powered flight.

Homologous organs have similar structures as they are inherited from a common ancestor. For example, the forelimbs of vertebrates like humans, cats, whales, and bats have similar structures, reflecting their common ancestry.

Therefore, Gills of prawn and lungs of man are analogous structures.

Answer 3

Analogous structures have different origins or structures but function the same way

• Convergent evolution is the independent of similar features in species with different lineages. 
• It forms analogous structures.
• The lungs of Man and Gills of Prawn can exhibit analogous structures.

So, the correct answer is 'Lungs of Man and Gills of Prawn'.