Question

Question 2
Can the wing of a butterfly and the wing of a bat be considered homologous organs? Why or why not?

Answer 1

The wings of a butterfly and that of a bat are not homologous organs because their origins and structures are not the same, even though they both perform the same function. Take a look at the bat’s wings. It has a well-developed bone structure which is further supported by thin layers of skin stretched over it's arm. The insect’s wing, however, is not so. The insect’s wing has evolved from hardening of a membrane cover with a few associated muscles. So they are not only structurally different, they do not have a common ancestor too!