Question

Which statement about analogies is correct? a. They occur only as errors. b. They are synonymous with homologous traits. c. They are derived by response to similar environmental pressures. d. They are a form of mutation.

Short answer

The correct statement about analogies is c. They are derived by response to similar environmental pressures.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the given statements

Begin by analyzing each statement to see if it correctly describes analogies: a. They occur only as errors - This statement is incorrect. Analogies are not just errors; they are the result of similar environmental pressures on different organisms. b. They are synonymous with homologous traits - This statement is incorrect. Homologous traits are shared by species due to shared ancestry, while analogies arise due to convergent evolution and not due to shared ancestry. c. They are derived by response to similar environmental pressures - This statement appears plausible, as analogies are the result of convergent evolution, where organisms respond to similar environmental pressures independently. d. They are a form of mutation - This statement is incorrect. Analogies are not a form of mutation; they are similarities between organisms that arise due to convergent evolution, not genetic mutations.

Identify the correct statement

After analyzing the given statements, it is clear that the correct statement about analogies is: c. They are derived by response to similar environmental pressures.

Key concepts

Convergent Evolution

Convergent evolution is an intriguing concept in biology where organisms, regardless of being unrelated, develop similar traits or features. This happens primarily because these organisms face similar environmental challenges or pressures. As a result, they evolve certain adaptations that offer solutions to these challenges.

For example, the wings of bats and birds serve the same function of flight but evolved independently in response to the need for moving efficiently through the air. These similarities, or analogies, are not due to a common ancestor but instead arise because natural selection has favored similar solutions.

• Independent evolution of similar traits
• Results from adaptation to similar environments
• Leads to analogies in form and function

Homologous Traits

Homologous traits refer to features in different species that have a common evolutionary origin. These traits can be observed in species that share an ancestor and indicate a divergence from a common lineage, despite possibly differing in function.

For example, the forearms of humans, the wings of bats, and the flippers of whales show homologous traits. Although these limbs serve different purposes, they have similar anatomical structures because they evolved from a common ancestor.

• Traits shared due to common ancestry
• May have different functions and appearances
• Reflect evolutionary paths

Environmental Pressures

Environmental pressures are everyday challenges that organisms endure in their habitats. These include factors like climate, availability of resources, predators, and competitors. Such pressures drive natural selection, where only the most adapted individuals survive and reproduce.

Over time, these pressures can lead to significant evolutionary changes. They shape the way species evolve, often resulting in traits that help organisms thrive in their specific environments. This is key to understanding why different species might develop similar adaptations even in vastly different parts of the world.

• Drive natural selection and evolution
• Include factors like climate and predators
• Lead to development of beneficial adaptations

Mutations in Biology

Mutations in biology refer to changes or alterations in the DNA sequence of an organism’s genome. These changes can occur due to various internal or external factors, including errors during DNA replication or exposure to radiation.

Mutations are important for genetic diversity. While many mutations are neutral or even harmful, some can lead to beneficial traits that better equip organisms to survive environmental challenges. It’s important to note that mutations are different from analogies, as they alter the genetic code, while analogies develop through similar environmental pressures rather than genetic changes.

• Changes in DNA sequence
• Source of genetic diversity
• Can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful