Tracing Evolutionary Relationships


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Tracing Evolutionary Relationships

Tracing Evolutionary Relationships: In order to find out the evolutionary relationships among organisms, their common features have to be looked upon. These common features in different organisms point out towards common ancestry. Evidences have been provided by various fields as given below.

Homologous Organs:

According to Darwin, more closely related species have evolved from a common ancestor. The characteristics and fundamentally similar structures suggest the possibility of a common ancestor, e.g. the forelimbs of vertebrates. Such phenomenon of similarity of structure due to common ancestry is known as homology.

Characteristics of homologous organs are given below:

1.  Similar in basic structure and have the same developmental origin.

2.  Have different functions in different organisms.

3.   Their similarity is due to common ancestry.

e.g. the forelimbs of vertebrates (lizard, man, frog and bird) have a similar structure, but perform different functions.

Analogous Organs:

The organs, which have different origin and basic structure (plan), but show similar appearance and perform similar functions too, e.g. wings of birds and wings of bat.

Characteristics of analogous organs areas listed below:

1.  Differ in basic structure.

2.  Resemble each other in functions.

3.  Their similarity is a superficial resemblance.

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Sample Questions
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Question : 1

Which of the following are correct ?

(a) Forelimbs of vertebrates (lizard, man, frog and bird) have a similar structure, but perform different functions are the example of homologous organs.

(b)  The organs which have different origin and basic structure (plan), but show similar appearance and perform similar functions are called analogous organs

(c) The organs that have been reduced or diminished in size during evolution are known as vestigial organs.

Right Option : D
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Question : 2

The organs that have been reduced or diminished in size during evolution are _____________

Right Option : A
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Question : 3

The characteristics of ___________________  are similar in basic structure and have the same developmental origin.

Right Option : C
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