Question

The wings of swallows and dragonflies perform the same function: they enable the organisms to fly. Based on these images, what interpretation can be made?
A. Swallows and dragonflies have homologous organs, which indicates that they share common ancestors
B. Swallows and dragonflies have analogous organs, which indicates that their wings evolved differently
C.Swallows and dragonflies have homologous organs because their wings evolved from the same ancestral species
D.Swallows and dragonflies have analogous organs because they belong to the same species

Answer 1

Homologous organs or structures have the same ancestry but different functions such as the human arm, the bat's wing and the dog's leg. All originate in the mammal's common ancestor. Over time, these structures have evolved and changed their purpose to better suit their current environments.

Analogous organs are the opposite. They have similar functions but different evolutionary origins. The wings in swallows and dragonflies are such an example.

Thus, the correct interpretation is B. Swallows and dragonflies have analogous organs, which indicates that their wings evolved differently.