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Select the correct statement 
(a) Tendril of a pea plant and phylloclade of Opuntia are homologous 
(b) Tendril of a pea plant and phylloclade of Opuntia are analogous 
(c) Wings of birds and limbs of lizards are analogous 
(d) Wings of birds and wings of bat are homologous

 

Answers (1)

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Answer: (a)

Solution:
The structures that are similar in related organisms because they were inherited from a common ancestor are Homologous structures. These may or may not have the same function as in the descendants.

(a) Tendril of a pea plant and phylloclade of Opuntia both structures belong to the shoot system and are inherited from a common ancestor. Phylloclade of Opuntia is modified for photosynthesis and tendril is meant to provide support to the weak stem. Hence these are homologous.

(b) Analogous structures are similar structures that evolved independently into two living organisms for the same purpose. Tendril of a pea plant and phylloclade of Opuntia are homologous as discussed in part (a).

(c) Analogous structures are similar structures that evolved independently into two living organisms for the same purpose. Wings of birds and limbs of lizards do not have the same purpose hence these are not analogous.

(d) Bat wings consist of flaps of skin stretched between the bones of the fingers and arm. Bird wings consist of feathers extending all along the arm. These structural dissimilarities suggest that bird wings and bat wings were not inherited from a common ancestor with wings. Hence these are not homologous.

Therefore, option (a) is correct.

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