Question

Which organs present in two organisms indicate that they are derived from the same ancestor?

• A. Homologous organs
• B. Analogous organs
• C. Excretory organs
• D. Circulatory organs

Answer 1

The correct option is A Homologous organs

Homology refers to the traits inherited by two different organisms from a common ancestry. Organs such as bat's wing, wings of birds, seal’s flipper, forelimb of a horse, and human arm have a common underlying anatomy that was present in their last common ancestors. Therefore their forelimbs are homologous organs. Analogy refers to the similarity in function of two different organisms due to convergent evolution and not common ancestry. Analogous organs are the opposite of homologous organs, which have similar functions but different origins. An example of an analogous trait would be the wings of insects, bats, and birds that evolved independently in each lineage separately after diverging from an ancestor without wings. The wings of insects originate from the inner or outer surface of the insect’s body. Feathers of birds originate from their forelimbs, and the wings of bats originate from both the fore limb and the membranous skin of the abdomen.

So, the correct answer is option A.