Question

State which type of evidence of evolution is illustrated by the fact that the same pattern of bones can be found in the forelimb (arm) of a penguin, alligator, bat, and human?

a) Fossil record
b) Analogous structures
c) Vestigial organs
d) Homologous structures

Answer 1

The type of evidence of evolution illustrated by the presence of the same pattern of bones in the forelimb of a penguin, alligator, bat, and human is homologous structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of evidence of evolution illustrated by the fact that the same pattern of bones can be found in the forelimb (arm) of a penguin, alligator, bat, and human is homologous structures.

Homologous structures are similar structures that are inherited from a common ancestor but may have different functions in different organisms. In this case, the forelimbs of these animals have a similar layout and bone structure, even though they are adapted for different purposes, such as swimming in penguins, flying in bats, and grasping in humans.

This similarity suggests that these animals share a common evolutionary ancestor with a forelimb that had a similar structure, which has been modified over time to suit different ecological needs.