Question

The bones in the wings of a bat are the same as the bones found in the paws

of raccoon, though their function is quite different. The similarity is evidence

that the bat and the raccoon-

Answer 1

The bones in bat wings and raccoon paws serving as homologous structures indicate a common evolutionary ancestor. Conversely, analogous structures like bat and insect wings evolved independently through convergent evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is exploring the concept of homologous structures, which is a fundamental idea in comparative anatomy and evolutionary biology. The similarity in skeletal structures between the wings of a bat and the paws of a raccoon indicates that they share a common evolutionary ancestor, despite the different functions their limbs have evolved to fulfill. This indicates a common evolutionary past and is evidence of divergent evolution, where related species evolve different traits.

In contrast, structures that are similar in function and appearance but do not share an origin in a common ancestor, like the wings of bats and insects, are called analogous structures. These arise through convergent evolution, where similar environmental pressures result in similar solutions in unrelated lineages.

Answer 2

the bat and the racoon share a common ancestor.

Step-by-step explanation:

what is described in this question are homologous structures, which indicate common ancestry. hope this helps!