Understanding Analogous Organs in Biology
The question asks us to identify an example of analogous organs from the given options. Analogous organs are structures in different species that perform the same function but have evolved independently and have different evolutionary origins and underlying anatomical structures.
Let's analyze each option:
- Option 1: Hand of man and leg of horse
These structures are examples of homologous organs. Homologous organs share a common ancestry and similar basic structure, although they may perform different functions. Both the human hand and the horse leg are modified forelimbs derived from the same ancestral bone structure, but the hand is used for grasping, while the leg is used for locomotion.
- Option 2: Testis in males and ovaries in female developed from same embryonic tissue
These are also homologous structures. The testes and ovaries are the primary reproductive organs in males and females, respectively. They develop from the same embryonic tissue (gonadal ridge) in vertebrates, indicating a common developmental origin, even though they have different roles in reproduction.
- Option 3: Wings of birds and bat
Wings of birds and wings of bats are used for the same function: flight. However, their underlying anatomical structures are different and they evolved independently. Bird wings have bones covered with feathers, while bat wings consist of a membrane stretched between elongated finger bones, the body, and the tail. This similarity in function but difference in structure and origin makes them analogous organs.
- Option 4: Mouth parts of honeybee and housefly
The mouthparts of insects like honeybees and houseflies are homologous. They are derived from common ancestral insect mouthparts but are modified for different types of feeding. Honeybees have mouthparts adapted for sucking nectar and manipulating wax, while houseflies have mouthparts adapted for sponging liquids. Despite different functions, their basic plan reflects a shared ancestry.
Based on the analysis, the wings of birds and bats fit the definition of analogous organs because they serve the same function (flight) but have different evolutionary origins and structural compositions.