Question

Which ones are not analogous organs?

• A. Wings of bird and wings of a butterfly
• B. Eye of octopus and eyes of mammals
• C. Flippers of penguins and flippers of dolphins
• D. Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita

Answer 1

The correct option is D Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita

Homologous organs are the organs which have similar anatomical structures and same developmental origin but perform different functions. They are a result of divergent evolution.

Both the thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita originate from the stem and are modified from the axillary buds but their functions are different. Hence, they are homologous organs.

Analogous organs are not anatomically similar but perform similar functions. They are a result of convergent evolution.

For example,

• Wings of bird and wings of butterfly perform similar function of flying but they are not anatomically similar
• Eye of octopus and eyes of mammals facilitate vision (similar function) but have different anatomical structures
• Flippers of penguins and dolphins help them in the process of movement (similar function) but are structurally different