Q18 / 349 · NTA Abhyas (NEET) 2020 · Zoology · Evolution

Choose the pairs of organs that are a result of convergent evolution.

i. Wings of butterflies and wings of birds.
ii. Flippers of penguins and flippers of dolphins.
iii. Eyes of octopus and eyes of mammals.
iv. Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita.
v. Sweet potato and potato.
vi. Vertebrate hearts and vertebrate brains.

  • A
    i, ii, v and vi
  • B
    i, ii, iii and iv
  • C
    i, ii and vi
  • Correct answer
    D
    i, ii, iii and v

Solution

Organs that are structurally different but perform the same function are called analogous organs. They are a result of convergent evolution. Examples of analogous organs are wings of butterflies and of birds, the eye of the octopus and of mammals, the flippers of penguins and dolphins, Sweet potato (root modification) and potato (stem modification) etc.

Organs that are structurally similar but perform different functions are called homologous organs. They are a result of divergent evolution. It indicates common ancestry. Homology is seen in vertebrate hearts or brains. It is also seen in the thorn and tendrils of Bougainvillea and Cucurbita.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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