Structures that are superficially dissimilar but have the same structure in terms of bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels are best described as ____.
A)heterologous
B)homologous
C)vestigial
D)analogous
E)exogenous

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Structures that have the same underlying structure in terms of bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels are called homologous structures. This indicates that they have descended from a common ancestor, and may have diverged in form and function due to different selection pressures. Heterologous structures, on the other hand, may have similar functions but different structures, and are not necessarily related by ancestry. Vestigial structures are remnants of structures that were functional in ancestors but have lost their function over time. Analogous structures have similar functions but evolved independently in different lineages. Exogenous structures are not a biological concept.

Structures That Are Superficially Dissimilar but Have the Same Structure