What do structural similarities among different organisms most commonly suggest?

What do structural similarities among different organisms most commonly suggest?

• A. Genetic Mutations
• B. Common Function
• C. Evolutionary Relationship
• D. Environmental Adaptations

Answer: (C)

Structural similarities among different organisms suggest an evolutionary relationship because they indicate a shared ancestry or common evolutionary origin. When two or more species exhibit similar structures, such as limb bones, flower parts, or organ systems, it typically points to the fact that these organisms have descended from a common ancestor. This concept is fundamental to the theory of evolution, where homologous structures arise due to the inheritance of traits from a common ancestor, even if those structures have evolved to perform different functions in the modern species. For example, the forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats have significantly different functions—grasping, swimming, and flying, respectively—but they share a similar underlying bone structure. This similarity implies that all these species share a common ancestor that had a similar limb structure, which has diversified over time through the process of evolution to suit different environments and lifestyles.

Structural similarities among different organisms suggest an evolutionary relationship because they indicate a shared ancestry or common evolutionary origin. When two or more species exhibit similar structures, such as limb bones, flower parts, or organ systems, it typically points to the fact that these organisms have descended from a common ancestor. This concept is fundamental to the theory of evolution, where homologous structures arise due to the inheritance of traits from a common ancestor, even if those structures have evolved to perform different functions in the modern species.

For example, the forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats have significantly different functions—grasping, swimming, and flying, respectively—but they share a similar underlying bone structure. This similarity implies that all these species share a common ancestor that had a similar limb structure, which has diversified over time through the process of evolution to suit different environments and lifestyles.