Question

The forelimbs of man, cat, bat and whale are

• A. Analogous organs
• B. Homologous organs
• C. Missing link
• D. Fossil

Answer 1

The correct option is B Homologous organs

The forelimbs of man, cat, bat and whale are homologous organs.

Organs, which have a common fundamental anatomical plan and similar embryonic origin whatever varied functions they may perform are regarded as homologous organs. For instances, the flippers of a whale, a bat's wing, forelimb of a horse, a bird's wing and forelimbs of human are structurally as well as functionally different. Whale's flippers help in swimming, wings of birds and bat are used in flying, horse's forelimb help in running and human’s hand is meant for grasping.

They have structurally modified accordingly. However, anatomically they have similar bones, humerus in the upper arm, radius ulna in the forearm, carpals and metacarpals in the wrist and hand. The presence of homologous organs in different groups of animals indicates their common origin or ancestry and degree of closeness to the difference among various groups.