Question

How will you conclude that birds are closely related to reptiles?

Answer 1

Evolution: Evolution is the process through which new species are formed through gradual genetic changes for a long time.

Reasons why birds are closely related to reptiles:

• The forelimbs of reptiles and birds are homologous. The presence of homologous organs suggests that reptiles and birds share a common ancestor.
• The forelimbs of birds and reptiles have the same structure but they perform different functions and hence homologous organs. The forelimbs of reptiles are used for crawling, while, the forelimbs of birds are used for flying.
• Homologous organs represent divergent evolution. Divergent evolution involves the accumulation of the variations between two closely related species having a common ancestor.
• Both reptiles and birds had a common ancestor and they diverged during evolution to adapt to different environmental conditions.