Question

evidence of evolution test review
review the definition of the following terms: homologous structure, vestigial organ, analogous structure.
classify each of the following examples as homologous structures (hs); vestigial organs (vo); or analogous structures (as).
bird wing and moth wing ____
wisdom teeth ____
whales pelvic bone ____
cat forearm and whale flipper ____
human appendix ____
catfish fin and dolphin fin ____
human arm and bat wing ____
human body hair ____

Explanation:

To solve this, we classify each structure based on definitions:

• Homologous Structures (HS): Same origin, different function (common ancestor).
• Vestigial Organs (VO): Reduced, non - functional (evolutionary remnant).
• Analogous Structures (AS): Different origin, same function (convergent evolution).

1. Bird wing and moth wing

Bird wing (bone - based, from tetrapod ancestor) and moth wing (chitin - based, insect structure) have different origins but same function (flight).
Classification: AS

2. Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are reduced, often non - functional in humans (evolutionary remnant).
Classification: VO

3. Whales pelvic bone

Whales’ pelvic bones are reduced, non - functional (remnant from land - dwelling ancestors).
Classification: VO

4. Cat forearm and whale flipper

Cat forearm and whale flipper have same skeletal origin (tetrapod limb) but different functions (walking vs. swimming).
Classification: HS

5. Human Appendix

Appendix is a reduced, non - functional organ (remnant of digestive system evolution).
Classification: VO

6. Catfish fin and dolphin fin

Catfish fin (bony fish, cartilaginous) and dolphin fin (mammal, modified limb) have different origins but same function (swimming).
Classification: AS

7. Human arm and bat wing

Human arm (grasping) and bat wing (flying) have same skeletal origin (tetrapod limb) but different functions.
Classification: HS

8. Human body hair

Human body hair is reduced, non - functional (remnant from hairy ancestors).
Classification: VO

Answer:

s (row - by - row, top to bottom):

1. AS
2. VO
3. VO
4. HS
5. VO
6. AS
7. HS
8. VO