Structures as different as human arms, bat wings, and dolphin flippers contain many of the same bones, which develop from similar embryonic tissues. These structural similarities are an example of ________.
A) homology
B) convergent evolution
C) the evolution of common structure as a result of common function
D) the evolution of similar appearance as a result of common function

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

These structures are examples of homology, which refers to the existence of shared ancestry between a pair of structures, or genes, in different taxa. Homologous structures arise from evolutionary divergence, where a common ancestor has similar structures that evolve over time for different functions in its descendants.

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