Question

Explain homologous organs.

Answer 1

Homologous organs:

1. Homologous organs are organs that have the same structural organization but different functional properties.
2. They have a common ancestral origin.
3. These organs are anatomically similar.
4. Homologous organs are a result of divergent evolution as they evolved through a common ancestor.
5. Two different groups of the same species divergently evolved different traits to accommodate for different environmental and social pressures.
6. Eg, homologous organs are the forelimbs of humans, cats, dogs, and the front flipper of whales.
7. For example, the human arm, the front leg of a horse, the seal's flipper, a wing of a bat, etc., organs have the same anatomical layout but have distinct tasks to perform.
8. All of these forelimbs are structurally similar but have different functions, as humans use them to pick up objects, whales to swim, and cats and dogs for locomotion.