Question

These organs have the same function, but they all have different structures. based on this information, what conclusion can be drawn about the evolutionary relationship of these organisms?

Answer 1

The presence of organs with the same function but different structures in various organisms indicates that these organs are homologous structures, suggesting evolutionary descent from a common ancestor, which informs the phylogenetic relationships among these organisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Organs with the same function but different structures suggest an evolutionary relationship between organisms. When assessing such relationships, scientists differentiate between homologous structures and analogous structures. Homologous structures, which are similar due to inheritance from a common ancestor, may have different functions in modern-day organisms.

An example includes the similar bone structures in the appendages of humans, dogs, birds, and whales. Conversely, analogous structures perform similar functions but are not derived from a common ancestor, such as the wings of butterflies and birds. The presence of homologous structures provides evidence of evolutionary descent from a common ancestor. Understanding the difference between these is key for scientists to uncover the phylogeny of the organisms involved.