Structures as different as human arms, bat wings, and dolphin flippers contain many of the same bones, these bones having developed from very similar embryonic tissues. How do biologists interpret these similarities?
A) by identifying the bones as being homologous structures
B) by the principle of convergent evolution
C) by proposing that humans, bats, and dolphins share a common ancestor
D) Three of the statements above are correct.
E) Two of the statements above are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The similarities in bone structures among humans, bats, and dolphins are interpreted as evidence of homologous structures (A) and a shared common ancestor (C), indicating evolutionary relationships. Convergent evolution (B) explains similar traits in unrelated species due to similar environmental pressures, not shared ancestry, so it does not apply in this context.

Structures as Different as Human Arms, Bat Wings, and Dolphin