Question

The diagram given alongside shows the wing of a bird and the hand of a human being.
(a) Give a suitable title for the given diagram.
(b) Explain the term analogous organs with an example.

Answer 1

Part 1: The given organs are homologous in nature because they have the same structure but different functions.

Homologous organs:

1. Homologous organs are those organs that have the same embryonic origin and basic structure, but differ in appearance or may not perform the same function due to specific adaptations to the environment.
2. The forelimbs of birds and humans consist of the same bones(humerus, radius-ulna, carpals, metacarpals and phalanges) but the function of the forelimbs is different in both cases.
3. The forelimbs of birds are modified for flying while in the case of humans, forelimbs and shrews are used for grasping.

Part 2: Analogous organs:

1. Analogous organs are those organs that are functionally similar but differ in their structure and embryological origin.
2. For example- The wings of butterflies, dragonflies, birds, bats etc.