Evolution Question 11
11. Which of the following structures is homologus to the wing of a bird?
(a) Dorsal fin of a Shark
(b) Wing of a Moth
(c) Hind limb of Rabbit
(d) Flipper of Whale
Show Answer
Answer : d
Hints & Solution
(d) Wings of a bird and flippers of a whale are modified forelimbs. In evolutionary biology, convergent evolution is the process whereby organisms not closely related (not monophyletic), independently evolve similar traits as a result of having to adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. When two or more organs or structures are basically similar to each other in construction but are modified to perform different functions, they are said to be serially homologous. An example of this is a bat’s wing and a whale’s flipper.
