Question

Wings of a bird and wings of an insect are
A. Homologous structures and represent divergent evolution
B. Analogous structures and represent convergent evolution
C. Phylogenetic structures and represent divergent evolution
D. Homologous structures and represent convergent evolution

Answer 1

Hint: Analogous structure in animals refers to the different forms of organs but share the same functions while homologous structures are structures that are similar in form but perform different functions. The differences in the heritable characteristics of biological populations over successive generations is called evolution.

Complete answer: Evolution can be defined as the change in the inherited characteristics over a successive period of time. Various factors such as mutation, genetics, and other sources of genetic variation are responsible for the evolution to occur. These factors have shown three types of evolution. They are divergent evolution, convergent evolution, and parallel evolution. The evolutionary pattern in which two species gradually become increasingly different is called divergent evolution. The evolution of apes and humans from common primate ancestors is an example of divergent evolution. The independent evolution of similar features in species of different epochs in time or period is called convergent evolution. In convergent evolution species of different ancestry have analogous traits. Analogous structures are created in convergent evolution. Analogous structure refers to the different forms of structure but has similar functions. An example of analogous structure is the wings of a bird and the wings of an insect. Other examples of animals which show analogous structures are dogfish and whale. In parallel evolution, two species evolve independently of each other and maintain the same level of similarity. Therefore, the wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are analogous structures and represent convergent evolution.
So, option B is the correct option.

Note: Convergent evolution makes the comparative study of anatomy difficult. Divergent evolution is the opposite of convergent evolution in which related species evolve different traits. The expression of genes that are inherited by the offspring from the parents is responsible for the characteristics of an offspring. Evolutionary processes such as natural selection also play a vital role in evolution.