Question

Give examples of homologous organs in plants?

Answer 1

Homologous organs:

1. Homologous organs are organs that have a similar structure but different functions.
2. The homologous structures are similar anatomically because they were inherited from a common ancestor.
3. Analogous organs are the opposite of homologous organs, which are similar in function but possess different structural properties.

Examples of homologous organs in plants:

1. Both Venus flytrap and Pitcher plants have modified their leaves to catch insects and digest them as food.
2. The plant poinsettia has modified its leaves which are bright red to look like the petals of a flower.
3. The thorns of a pomegranate and the tendrils of a passion fruit share common homology arising from an axillary bud but they are structurally and functionally different.
4. The cactus has modified its leaves into small spines to reduce water loss in arid climates with high temperatures and to protect itself from roving herbivores.