The wing of a bird and the front limb of a mammal have a similar number and arrangement of bones. Which evolutionary relationship explains these similarities? A. The wing and front limb are homologous structures; each evolved from a common ancestor. B. The wing and front limb are analogous structures; each evolved from a common ancestor. C. The wing and front limb are analogous structures; each evolved independently. D. The wing and front limb are vestigial structures; one evolved from the other.

A

Explanation:

The correct answer would be that the wing and front limb are homologous structures; each evolved from a common ancestor.

Homologous structures are organs of different organisms that look similar in structure but perform different functions on their respective owners. They are as opposed to analogous organs which look different on different organisms but perform similar functions on them.

An example of the homologous organ is the wing of birds and the fore-limbs of mammals which are both built on a five-digit plant, also known as pentadactyl plan. While birds use their wings to fly, the fore-limbs of mammals are adapted for grasping or walking. An example of the analogous organ is the wing of birds and the wing of insects. They both look structurally different but are both for flying.

The correct option is A.