Which concept suggests that structural similarities among organisms indicate they evolved from a common ancestor?

Which concept suggests that structural similarities among organisms indicate they evolved from a common ancestor?

• A. Genetic Variation
• B. Natural Selection
• C. Anatomy
• D. Phylogeny

Answer: (C)

The concept that suggests structural similarities among organisms indicate they evolved from a common ancestor is rooted in the study of anatomy. Anatomical similarities, such as the presence of similar bone structures in the forelimbs of various species—like humans, whales, and bats—reflect the idea that these organisms share a common evolutionary origin. This concept is central to comparative anatomy, which analyzes the similarities and differences in the structures of different species. By studying these anatomical features, biologists can infer evolutionary relationships and trace lineages back to a common ancestor. For instance, homologous structures, which are parts that have a similar origin but may serve different functions in modern species, provide strong evidence for the theory of evolution and the connection between species. This comparative approach helps scientists understand how different species adapted over time through evolutionary processes while still retaining fundamental structural similarities from their shared ancestry. Other concepts, while related to evolution, focus on different mechanisms or classifications. Genetic variation pertains to the differences in genes among individuals, natural selection describes the process by which advantageous traits become more common in a population, and phylogeny deals with the evolutionary history and relationships among species. While all these concepts contribute to our understanding of evolution, the anatomical perspective directly connects structural similarities to common ancestry

The concept that suggests structural similarities among organisms indicate they evolved from a common ancestor is rooted in the study of anatomy. Anatomical similarities, such as the presence of similar bone structures in the forelimbs of various species—like humans, whales, and bats—reflect the idea that these organisms share a common evolutionary origin. This concept is central to comparative anatomy, which analyzes the similarities and differences in the structures of different species.

By studying these anatomical features, biologists can infer evolutionary relationships and trace lineages back to a common ancestor. For instance, homologous structures, which are parts that have a similar origin but may serve different functions in modern species, provide strong evidence for the theory of evolution and the connection between species. This comparative approach helps scientists understand how different species adapted over time through evolutionary processes while still retaining fundamental structural similarities from their shared ancestry.

Other concepts, while related to evolution, focus on different mechanisms or classifications. Genetic variation pertains to the differences in genes among individuals, natural selection describes the process by which advantageous traits become more common in a population, and phylogeny deals with the evolutionary history and relationships among species. While all these concepts contribute to our understanding of evolution, the anatomical perspective directly connects structural similarities to common ancestry