Moderate

The structures of the front flipper of a whale and the forearm of a wolf have similar bone structures and derive from a common ancestor. This is an example of which of the following?

Correct answer: C. Homologous structures

  • A. Convergent evolution
  • B. Analogous structures
  • C. Homologous structures
  • D. Bottleneck effect

Explanation

Despite their differences in function, homologous structures typically share common features such as bones, muscles, blood vessels, and other anatomical elements. The similarities in the fundamental structure indicate that these features were inherited from a common ancestor and have been modified over generations in response to different selection pressures.

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About Evolution

Evolution describes heritable change in populations over generations through variation, natural selection and adaptation. Lamarckism explains inheritance of acquired characteristics, while Darwinism explains selection of favourable inherited variations; these historical explanations must not be confused with the modern genetic account of evolutionary change.

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