Question

The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are?

• A. Phylogenetic structures and represent divergent evolution
• B. Homologous structures and represent divergent evolution
• C. Analogous structures and represent convergent evolution
• D. Homologous structures and represent convergent evolution

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Analogous structures and represent convergent evolution

The correct option is C:

The explanation of the correct option:

1. The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are evolved independently of each other.
2. Convergent evolution is the independent development of similar traits in organisms from various periods in time or space. In convergent evolution, features from species with various ancestries are comparable.
3. Convergent evolution produces analogous structures. Different types of structures that provide the same purposes are referred to as analogous structures.
4. Because the basic anatomy of an insect's wings differs from that of a bird's wing, they are analogous to the wings of a bird.

The explanation of the incorrect options:

Option (A):

1. Based on the evolutionary distance between species in a genetically related group, phylogenetic structures represent variance in the evolutionary histories among species.
2. The process of divergent evolution involves groups derived from a common ancestor evolving and developing differences that give rise to new species.
3. Because the basic anatomy of an insect's wings differs from that of a bird's, they are analogous to the wings of a bird.
4. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

Option (B):

1. Animal organs with similar basic structures but different functions are said to be homologous organs.
2. Evidence for the evolution of organisms is provided by homologous organs. These organs can serve as an example of divergent evolution, in which organisms have a common ancestor but later diverge to form various species as a result of differences.
3. These species may have some morphological traits with their ancestors that can be used to trace them back to a common ancestor, but because they currently occupy distinct ecological niches, they have evolved to perform functions that are distinct from one another.
4. Because the basic anatomy of an insect's wings differs from that of a bird's wing, they are analogous to the wings of a bird. And analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution.
5. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

Option (D):

1. An insect's wings and the wing of a bird represent convergent evolution but they are not homologous structures.
2. Because the basic anatomy of an insect's wings differs from that of a bird's wing, they are analogous to the wings of a bird.
3. Hence, it is an incorrect option.

Final answer: Therefore, the wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are analogous structures and represent convergent evolution.