Question

The arms of humans and the flippers of dolphins have a similar bone structure. So, they’re organs. The legs of a kangaroo and the legs of a jumping spider allow both organisms to jump. However, spiders are invertebrates, and kangaroos are vertebrates. This difference makes their legs structures.

a) Analogous
b) Homologous
c) Vestigial
d) Adaptive

Answer 1

Structures in organisms are classified as homologous or analogous based on their evolutionary origins and functions; homologous indicates a common ancestor while analogous does not, despite similar functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When analyzing the structures of organisms, scientists often categorize them as either homologous or analogous structures, which relate to their evolutionary origins and functions. Homologous structures have a similar embryonic origin and indicate a common evolutionary past, such as the bone structure in the arms of humans and the flippers of dolphins. In contrast, analogous structures have a similar function but may not share a common ancestor, such as the wings of butterflies and birds or the ability to jump between kangaroos and jumping spiders, even though one is a vertebrate and the other an invertebrate. There are instances where structures can be both, like the wings of birds and bats, which are similar due to convergent evolution and also share a common evolutionary past.