Structures as different as human arms, bat wings, and dolphin flippers contain many of the same bones, these bones having developed from very similar embryonic tissues. How do biologists interpret these similarities?
A)By identifying the bones as being homologous
B)By the principle of convergent evolution
C)By proposing that humans, bats, and dolphins share a common ancestor
D)A and C only
E)A, B, and C

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Biologists interpret these similarities by identifying the bones as being homologous and by proposing that humans, bats, and dolphins share a common ancestor. The principle of convergent evolution does not apply in this case because the similarities are due to a shared ancestry, rather than a similar environment leading to similar adaptations.

Structures as Different as Human Arms, Bat Wings, and Dolphin