Correct option is D
Correct Answer: (d)
Explanation: Analogous organs perform similar functions but have different evolutionary origins and structural plans. The flippers of dolphins (mammals) and fins of fish both help in swimming, but they evolved independently in response to similar environmental pressures. Their anatomical structures and embryonic origins are different. Hence, they are analogous but not homologous.
Information Booster
· Analogous organs arise due to convergent evolution.
· They exhibit similar functions but differ in origin and internal structure.
· Aquatic locomotion has driven the evolution of streamlined appendages in diverse lineages.
· Homologous organs, in contrast, share a common ancestry.
· Identifying analogy vs homology is essential for evolutionary interpretation.
Additional Knowledge
Potato tuber and sweet potato tuber are functionally similar but differ in origin (stem vs root) and are often discussed in special cases of analogy, yet standard evolutionary comparisons emphasize option (d). Human arm and whale flipper are homologous structures with a common tetrapod origin. The thorn of citrus and tendril of cucurbit plants are also homologous as both originate from modified axillary buds. Therefore, flippers of dolphins and fins of fish best represent analogous structures that are not homologous.
