alleryHomologous organs have:
ASame origin, same function
BDifferent origin, same function
CSame origin, different function
DDifferent origin, different function
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Same origin, different function
Homologous organs are defined as organs that share a common structural plan and embryonic origin, even if they serve different purposes in different species.
1. **Common Ancestry**: The term 'homo' means 'same'. These organs are inherited from a common ancestor, which explains why their internal anatomy (bone structure, blood vessels, nerves) is remarkably similar.
2. **Divergent Evolution**: Over time, different species moved into different environments. To survive, these shared structures adapted to perform specific tasks. This process is called **divergent evolution**.
3. **Examples**:
- The forelimbs of a **human** (used for grasping),
- The forelimbs of a **cheetah** (used for running),
- The forelimbs of a **whale** (used for swimming),
- The forelimbs of a **bat** (used for flying).
Despite having very different functions, all these limbs share the same basic skeletal pattern (humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges). Therefore, homologous organs have the **same origin but different functions**.
Keep practising Unit 7B: Population Genetics & Hardy-Weinberg Evolution
Browse all Unit 7B: Population Genetics & Hardy-Weinberg Evolution questions for AP Biology, or explore more Biology topics.
Related questions
Evolution is best defined as the change occurring in living organisms that takes place:Which genetic disorder is given as an example of a condition that can be caused by a mutatA sudden change in a gene, such as a nucleotide shifting its position, is known as a:The stepwise movement of the ribosome along mRNA by a distance of one triplet codon is terThe amino acids brought in by tRNA are joined together by peptide bonds with the help of wOn a tRNA molecule, the sequence that is complementary to the codon on mRNA is called the:Which Indian-origin scientist received the 1968 Nobel Prize for his work on triplet codonsHow many nucleotides make up the triplet codon that codes for a single amino acid?