Question

Which one of the following is an analogous structure?

• A. Wings of Bat and Wings of Pigeon
• B. Gills of Prawn and Lungs of Man
• C. Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita
• D. Flippers of Dolphin and legs of Horse.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Wings of Bat and Wings of Pigeon

Analogous structures are those that have different origins but are functionally similar. The analogous structure is those that arise as a result of convergent evolution, so the organisms that are not closely related, independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments. Prawn and man cannot be examples of convergent evolution because they do not inhabit the same environment. However birds and bats share a common habitat, adaptations, and mode of life although they belong to different classes and have analogous structures.
Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita and flippers of dolphin and legs of the horse are examples of homologous structures.