The wings of a bat and a bird are examples of

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: The wings of a bat and a bird are examples of what?

Option analysis:
- Since the provided answer is 'analogous structures.', we will justify why wings in bats and birds are considered analogous.

Why this is correct:
- Wings in bats and birds perform the same function (flight) and have evolved to fulfill a similar role in the organism's ecology. However, they do not derive from a single, shared ancestral wing structure dedicated to flight; instead, they arose independently in two distinct lineages. This is the hallmark of analogy: similarity due to convergent evolution rather than descent from a common ancestor with the same trait.
- In more detail, both bats and birds use forelimbs adapted into wings, but the bones and development paths show different evolutionary origins and anatomical arrangements. The similarity in function is high, while the similarity in origin is low, which characterizes analogous structures.

Why other potential options (if they were present) might be incorrect:
- If an option claimed these wings were homologous structures, that would be inaccurate in the strict sense, because homologous structures arise from a common ancestor with the same bone pattern; bats and birds do not share a wing structure inherited from a winged common ancestor—both groups developed flight independently.
- If an option suggested genetic or developmental sameness implying identical embryonic origin, that would misrepresent the distinct developmental pathways that each lineage underwent to achieve wings.
- If an option claimed they are vestigial or non-functional, that would be incorrect since both bats and birds use their wings for active flight, demonstrating functional significance rather than vestigial status.

Summary takeaway:
- The wings of bats and birds are analogous structures because they serve a similar function (flight) but evolved independently in two lineages, exemplifying convergent evolution rather than descent from a common winged ancestor.

Biol-100-OLH-OMH-ONH Quiz #10

The wings of a bat and a bird are examples of

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Question at position 25 Analogous anatomical structures in two different specieshave similar functions.are derived from the same ancestral structure.were formerly useful, but are now useless.have different functions.Clear my selection

If similarities between two structures in different organisms reflect independent evolution, these structures are :

Bats and birds are both capable of flight, but their wings have different bone structures. Which statement best supports the relationship between bat and bird wings?

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

Economic stress and unpredictable times have resulted in a booming industry for self-help products

People born without creativity never can develop it

A product has a selling price of $20, a contribution margin ratio of 40% and fixed cost of $120,000. To make a profit of $30,000. The number of units that must be sold is: Type the number without $ and a comma. Eg: 20000

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler