Question

Which one among the following is an example of homology?
A. Eye of octopus and mammals
B. Tuber of sweet potato and potato
C. Flippers of penguins and dolphins
D. Thorns and tendrils of Bougainvillea and Cucurbita

Answer 1

Hint: Homology is the study of those organs that show similarities in a different animal, they perform a different function but they have a common origin and appear similar. These characters shared common ancestry.

Complete answer: Anatomical features of individuals help to identify the evolution of the particular species, it provides direct evidence of how species have evolved over some time. The anatomical features show how they adapt and build features to fit in an environment. Such as homologous and analogous organs of different species.
a. Homologous structures or organs:- These organs have similar structures and origins but perform a different function. This supports evolution occurring in species when they were lived if the different environment and their needs are different. For example:- the size of body, shape appear in sharks and dolphins.
b. Analogous organs or structure:- These structures of species have different structures but perform similar functions. It proves that unrelated species when they live in the same environmental conditions then adapt themselves differently:- forearm of humans and cats, flippers of whales, and patagium of the bat.
The thorns and tendrils of Bougainvillea and Cucurbita are the modified organ of the stem that arises from axillary buds; they have a common origin but perform a different function, thorns for the protection while tendril for the climbing.
Hence, the correct option is D.

Note: The similarity in anatomy is evidence that they may have a common ancestor. The most widely accepted theory of evolution is given by Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace in the 19th century, in his book called the origin of species, by giving the theory of natural selection.