Question

What is meant by analogous organs? Taking a suitable example, explain how they support the theory of Organic Evolution?

Answer 1

• Analogous structures are those which are different in origin but similar in function. It refers to the formation of similar looking body parts in unrelated animals in order to fulfil the same function. For example - fins in fishes and whales.
  
• The existence of analogous structures suggests the occurrence of convergent evolution. It may be explained in terms of the environment, acting through the agency of natural selection, favouring those variations which confer increased survival and reproductive potential on those organisms which possess them.
• In this case, different organs with different origins start performing similar functions and differ from their ancestral trait.