Is the single-chamber eye structure analogous or homologous? A) Analogous B) Homologous
Answer (1)
The correct answer is B) Homologous.
In biology, when we say two structures are homologous, we mean they have a common evolutionary origin. This means that they are derived from the same ancestor, even if they may perform different functions in the present.
The single-chamber eye structure is considered homologous when we look at the evolutionary history of eyes among different species. For instance, the eyes of vertebrates like humans, birds, and fish are homologous because they all evolved from a common ancestor that had a primitive form of the eye. Over millions of years, these structures have evolved to adapt to different environmental needs and functionalities but retain a fundamental connectivity to that ancient origin.
Conversely, when two structures are analogous, they have evolved independently to perform similar functions, and they do not share a common ancestral origin. An example of analogous structures would be the wings of birds and the wings of insects.
Therefore, the single-chamber eye is homologous because it shares a common evolutionary ancestor with other similar structures found in different species.
