Question

Are flippers of penguin and dolphin homologous or analogous? What type of evolution has brought such a similarity in them?

Answer 1

Analogous organs:

1. Analogous organs are said to have similar functions but have different origins.
2. For instance flippers of penguins and dolphins are meant to perform a similar function (helps in swimming) but have different origins so they are referred to as analogous organs.

Evolutionary similarities between penguin and dolphin:

1. Penguins and dolphins are evolutionarily not closely related to each other but might have evolved similar traits (flippers) that show convergent evolution.
2. Convergent evolution is said to be the evolution that is independent of similar species of different periods and epochs in time.
3. The organisms formed analogous structures that have similar forms or functions but are absent in the last common ancestors of those groups.