What is an analogous structure?

Question

A. process by which a species evolves into several different forms that live in different ways
B. a well tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations
C. structures that no longer serve a useful function for an organism, usually remnants from a past ancestors
D. process in which two species evolve in response to changes in each other
E. structures derived from a common ancestor found in different species and are similar in structure but not function
F. change in a kind of organism over time and descends from an ancient organism
G. diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships among a group of organisms
H. slow changes in a population that build up developing into a new species
I. pattern of evolution in which long, stable periods are interrupted by brief periods of rapid change
J. process in determining the exact age of fossils using radioactive decay of isotopes within rocks
K. a diagram that shows many evolutionary relationships among many different species
L. method in determining the age of a fossil by comparing its placement with that of fossils in other layers of rock
M. structures that have different mature forms in different organisms but develop from the same embryonic tissue
N. term developed by Charles Darwin that suggests individuals who are better suited for their environment successfully reproduce
O. the preserved remains or evidence of an ancient organism
P. process in which a population adapts through changes in more than one allele
Q. process by which individuals that are better suited for their environment survive and reproduce with more success

Answer 1

The answer is M. structures that have different mature forms in different organisms but develop from the same embryonic tissue.

This option describes homologous structures, which arise from a common ancestor, while analogous structures are those that serve similar functions but do not arise from a common ancestor. However, since the answer options provided do not directly define "analogous structure," it appears there was a slight confusion in distinguishing between analogous and homologous structures in your inquiry.

For clarity, analogous structures (not listed in your options) refer to structures that have similar functions but different evolutionary origins. In contrast, the option provided (M) defines homologous structures.