Question

Difficulty: EasyEvidence for Evolution: Comparative Anatomy, Embryology, and Vestigial Organs

Match each anatomical structure on the left with its corresponding category of evolutionary evidence on the right.

  • Flipper of a whale and wing of a batHomologous structures
  • Wing of a bird and wing of an insectAnalogous structures
  • Pelvic girdle in pythonsVestigial organs

Answer

The correct pairings are: Flipper of a whale and wing of a bat matches Homologous structures; Wing of a bird and wing of an insect matches Analogous structures; Pelvic girdle in pythons matches Vestigial organs.
The flipper of a whale and wing of a bat are homologous structures because they share a common pentadactyl bone arrangement derived from a shared ancestor. The wing of a bird and wing of an insect are analogous structures because they evolved independently to perform the same function of flight. The pelvic girdle in pythons is a vestigial organ because it is a reduced structural remnant inherited from ancestral limbed reptiles.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the relationship between the flipper of a whale and the wing of a bat.
They share the same internal skeletal layout (pentadactyl plan) modified for different adaptations.
Structures with a common evolutionary origin and structural plan are classified as homologous structures.
2
Analyze the relationship between the wing of a bird and the wing of an insect.
They serve the same function (flying) but have completely distinct structural origins (bones vs chitinous membranes).
Structures with similar functions but different evolutionary origins are classified as analogous structures.
3
Analyze the nature of the pelvic girdle in pythons.
It is a rudimentary, non-functional skeletal structure remaining in limbless snakes.
Degenerate or reduced structures that served a purpose in ancestors are classified as vestigial organs.

Key Concept

Distinction between homologous structures, analogous structures, and vestigial organs in comparative anatomy.
Estimated Time:45s
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