Question

The wings of a bird and the fore legs of a horse are ______.

Options

• analogous structures

• homologous structures

• phylogenetic structures

• vestigial structures

Answer 1

The wings of a bird and the fore legs of a horse are homologous structures.

Explanation:

Homologous structures are body parts that share a common embryonic origin and structural plan but may perform different functions. The wings of birds and the fore legs of horses share a similar underlying bone structure inherited from a common ancestor, even though one is adapted for flying and the other for walking. This reflects divergent evolution, where the structures have evolved to perform different functions while retaining a common evolutionary origin.