Question

select the correct answer.
the wings of birds and butterflies have the same function—they enable the organisms to fly. which statement can be made about the evolutionary relationship between these organisms?
a. birds and butterflies have homologous organs, which indicate that they share a common ancestor.
b. birds and butterflies have analogous organs, which indicate that their wings evolved differently.
c. birds and butterflies have homologous organs because their wings evolved from the same ancestral species.
d. birds and butterflies have analogous organs because they belong to the same species.

Explanation:

• Homologous organs are those that have a similar origin (from a common ancestor) but may have different functions. Birds and butterflies do not share a common ancestor for wings.
• Analogous organs have similar functions (here, flying) but different evolutionary origins. Birds (vertebrates) and butterflies (invertebrates) evolved wings independently for the function of flight.
• Option A is wrong because birds and butterflies do not share a common ancestor for wings.
• Option B is wrong as it wrongly claims homologous organs (which would imply a common - ancestor - based origin).
• Option C is wrong as the wings did not evolve from the same ancestral species (they are from different major taxonomic groups - vertebrates and invertebrates).
• Option D is correct as analogous organs explain the similar function (flight) of bird and butterfly wings despite different evolutionary origins.

Answer:

D. Birds and butterflies have analogous organs because they belong to the same species.