EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Vestigial structures are homologous to fully functioning structures inherited by related lineages. Thus, they provide strong evidence of common ancestry and can help us trace the evolutionary origin of the species with the vestigial structures.

Detailed explanation-2: -Comparative anatomy is the study of the similarities and differences in the structures of different species. Similar body parts may be homologous structures or analogous structures. Both provide evidence for evolution.

Detailed explanation-3: -Homologous structures provide evidence for common ancestry, while analogous structures show that similar selective pressures can produce similar adaptations (beneficial features). Similarities and differences among biological molecules (e.g., in the DNA sequence of genes) can be used to determine species’ relatedness.

Detailed explanation-4: -Homologous features If two or more species share a unique physical feature, such as a complex bone structure or a body plan, they may all have inherited this feature from a common ancestor. Physical features shared due to evolutionary history (a common ancestor) are said to be homologous.