Question

The wing of the bat and the fore-limb of the dog are said to be homologous structures. This indicates that:

A. They have the same function
B. Bats evolved from a lineage of dogs
C. They are structures which are similar due to common ancestry
D. The limb bones of each are anatomically identical
E. They have a different ancestry but a common function

Answer 1

The wing of the bat and the fore-limb of the dog being homologous structures suggest that they share a common ancestry, which is correct in option C. Homologous structures, which may or may not serve the same function today, reflect a shared embryonic origin from a common ancestor.

Step-by-step explanation:

The wing of the bat and the fore-limb of the dog are homologous structures. This means that option C is correct: They are structures which are similar due to common ancestry. Despite their different current functions and forms, the underlying structure of these limbs demonstrates a shared evolutionary past. Hence, these structures may not have the same function today, but they do share a similar embryonic origin, indicating that many different mammals, including bats and dogs, had a common ancestor.

Homologous structures may evolve to perform different tasks in various species, such as flight in bats or walking in dogs. However, their similarity in bone structure or developmental origin points to a common ancestry. This is distinct from analogous structures, which are similar in function but do not share a common ancestry and evolved independently in different lineages.