Question

Select the statement(s) that accurately describe conclusions that can be made about the similarities of these bones.

The bones show inconsistencies in structure.

The bones found in humans, bats, and dolphins show they share a common ancestor.

The bones found in the different species have adapted to fit their functional needs.

The bones are homologous structures.

The bones must have the same function in order to be considered homologous structures.

Answer 1

Correct choices: 2, 3, and 4.

- 2 (true): Similar bone patterns in humans, bats, and dolphins are evidence they share a common ancestor (homology).
- 3 (true): The bones have been modified in each lineage to fit different functional needs (wings, flippers, hands).
- 4 (true): Those similarly arranged bones are homologous structures (same evolutionary origin).

Incorrect:
- 1 is false — the bones show consistent structural similarities, not inconsistencies.
- 5 is false — homologous structures can have different functions; shared ancestry, not identical function, defines homology.