LAQ : How do the homologous and analogous organs give evidence in favour of evolution?

Question

How do the homologous and analogous organs give evidence in favour of evolution?

Answer

Homologous and analogous organs provide evidence in support of evolution in different ways:

Homologous organs:

1. They have the same basic structure but different functions.
2. They suggest a common ancestry and gradual divergence of organisms over time.
3. They provide evidence of divergent evolution.
4. They can be used to construct evolutionary trees and classify organisms.
5. Examples include the forelimbs of different vertebrates and the wings of bats and birds.

Analogous organs:

1. They have different structures but the same function.
2. They suggest convergent evolution and adaptation to similar environments.
3. They provide evidence of convergent evolution.
4. They can be used to infer the ecological relationships between different organisms.
5. Examples include the wings of birds and bats, the fins of fish and whales, and the eyes of insects and mammals.