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Difficulty: MediumEvolution and Adaptation

Homologous structures, such as the human arm, the wing of a bat, and the flipper of a whale, share a similar underlying skeletal layout because these species evolved from a common ancestor with that basic limb design.

Answer: Answer

Answer

True
The statement is true because homologous structures provide direct evidence of common ancestry; divergent evolution has adapted the same ancestral vertebrate forelimb bone pattern for diverse functions across mammals.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the anatomical features and organisms named in the statement.
Human arms, bat wings, and whale flippers all contain the same basic vertebrate forelimb bone framework (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges).
Establishing the shared anatomical plan confirms whether the examples represent homologous traits.
2
Relate the anatomical evidence to evolutionary mechanisms.
Divergent evolution modifies ancestral traits in different lineages to suit varied environmental niches while preserving the fundamental structural blueprint inherited from a shared ancestor.
Clarifies why homologous structures perform different functions in modern organisms.
3
Determine the truth value of the overall statement.
The statement correctly describes both the definition and classic examples of homologous structures.
Provides the final true/false determination.

Key Concept

Homologous structures as anatomical evidence of common descent
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Evolution and Adaptation

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