Question

Which one of the following is the best example of homologous organs?

• A. Wings of bats and birds
• B. Wings of birds and forelimbs of mammals
• C. Wings of birds and insects
• D. Wings of insects and bats

Hint:

Homologous organs have a similar structure due to shared ancestry but may have different functions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Homologous organs are those that have a similar structure but may have different functions. These organs arise from a common ancestor, indicating evolutionary divergence. The wings of birds and the forelimbs of mammals are homologous organs because both have the same basic bone structure but serve different functions (flying in birds and grasping or walking in mammals).

Step 1: Wings of bats and birds.
Although bats and birds both have wings, their wings are not homologous. They evolved independently, so this is not a good example of homologous organs. Therefore, option (A) is incorrect.

Step 2: Wings of birds and forelimbs of mammals.
The wings of birds and the forelimbs of mammals are homologous organs. They share a similar bone structure but serve different functions, making this the correct answer.

Step 3: Wings of birds and insects.
The wings of birds and insects are analogous organs, not homologous. They have different evolutionary origins and structures. Therefore, option (C) is incorrect.

Step 4: Wings of insects and bats.
The wings of insects and bats are also analogous organs. Although they both have wings, these structures evolved independently and have different underlying structures, so option (D) is incorrect.

Step 5: Conclusion.
The best example of homologous organs is the wings of birds and the forelimbs of mammals. The correct answer is (B).