Which of the following pairs of anatomical structures represents an example of analogous organs formed by convergent evolution?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Wings of a butterfly and wings of a bird
- Step 1: Analogous organs perform similar functions and share a superficial resemblance, but arise from fundamentally different embryonic structures.
- Step 2: Butterfly wings are chitinous folds of the insect exoskeleton supported by hemolymph veins, whereas bird wings are modified forelimbs supported by an endoskeleton and feathers.
- Step 3: Both have converged to facilitate aerial flight, illustrating convergent evolution.
Answer
Wings of a butterfly and wings of a bird.
Why not the others: Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita are both modified axillary buds (homologous); Vertebrate hearts are homologous organs; Forelimbs of frog and lizard are homologous tetrapod limbs.
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