Explain with examples how the following are evidence in favour of evolution in organisms. (i) Homologous organs (ii) Analogous organs (iii) Fossils
Explain with examples how the following are evidence in favour of evolution in organisms. (i) Homologous organs (ii) Analogous organs (iii) Fossils
(i) Forelimb of human and bird are homologous organs. They have same structural design and developmental origin but they have different functions and appearance. Homologous organs help us to understand that the organism has evolved from a common ancestor. The more common characteristics the two species have, the more closely they are related.
(ii) Analogous organs are those organs design and developmental origin but have similar appearance and perform similar functions.
Example: The wings of birds and bats look similar but have different design in their structure. They have a common function of flying but their origins are not common. So, birds and bats are not closely related.
(iii) Fossils and their study is useful in knowing about the species which are no longer alive. They provide evidence and missing links between two classes. They are helpful in forming a sequence of organisms in the pathway of evolution. Thus, fossils have an importance in deciding evolutionary relationship. Archaeopteryx is a fossil bird. It had feathers, fused bones and beak which are exclusively bird structures. It also had some features which are found in reptiles, e.g. teeth in jaw, claws on free fingers and a long tail. This fossil provides a clue that birds have evolved from reptiles.
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Define ‘natural selection’. (b) “Only variations that confer an advantage to an individual organism will survive in a population”. Do you agree with this statement? Give reason for your answer.
4 years ago
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Define ‘speciation’. Explain how speciation occurs. (b) Will geographical isolation be a major factor in the speciation of a self-pollinating plant species? Give reason for your answer.
4 years ago
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(a) Explain the terms ‘analogous organs’ and ‘homologous organs’ with examples. (b) In what way are analogous organs evidence for evolution?
4 years ago
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What do you understand by the term ‘evolution’? State Darwin’s theory of evolution.
4 years ago
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Name the scientist who gave the theory of origin of life on earth. What is this theory? (b) How are those species which are now ‘extinct’ studied?
4 years ago
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