Question

Which of the following is a set of homologous organs?

• A. Wings of grasshopper, flippers of whale
• B. Wings of birds, front feet of horse
• C. Wings of house fly, wings of birds
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Wings of birds, front feet of horse

The correct option is (B)

The explanation for correct option:

1. Homologous organs have similar origins but different functions in different species.
2. Both birds and mammals are vertebrates sharing a common ancestor.
3. There are structural similarities between the forelimbs of horses and the wings of birds but they differ in function since the forelimbs of the horse are used for running and birds use wings to fly.

The explanation for incorrect option:

Option A:

1. Grasshopper and whale are not closely related as grasshopper is an arthropod and whale is a chordate.
2. They do not share any closely related ancestors.
3. Hence, the organs are not homologous.

Option C:

1. These are analogous organs as they do not share any anatomical similarities but perform the same function i.e., flying.
2. Since the housefly is an arthropod and birds are chordates. They do not share any closely related common ancestor.

Final answer:

Hence, the wings of birds, and front feet of horses are homologous organs.