Question

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

Answer 1

Homologous organs:

1. Homologous organs refer to the organs of different species having the same anatomical structure but different functions.
2. Examples are forelimbs of man and other mammals, thorns of bougainvillea, and tendrils of Cucurbita.

Wings of bat and butterfly:

1. Wings of bat and butterfly do not share the same structure. They are anatomically different.
2. Butterfly possesses wings with fold of membranes associated with muscles and no bones.
3. But the wings of bat are supported by their bones.
4. They have same function which is flying.
5. Such organs which have different origin but same function are called analogous organs.

Therefore, the wings of butterflies and the wings of bats are not considered homologous organs.