How do vestigial structures demonstrate common ancestry?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking how vestigial structures can be evidence of common ancestry among species. It requires an explanation of the concept of vestigial structures and their role in supporting the theory of evolution.
Answer
Vestigial structures demonstrate common ancestry by being homologous to functional structures in related species.
Vestigial structures demonstrate common ancestry by being homologous to fully functioning structures in related species, inherited from a common ancestor, providing evidence of shared evolutionary origins.
Answer for screen readers
Vestigial structures demonstrate common ancestry by being homologous to fully functioning structures in related species, inherited from a common ancestor, providing evidence of shared evolutionary origins.
More Information
Vestigial structures can include remnants like the human appendix or the pelvis in whales, which are indications of the organism's evolutionary history.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing vestigial structures with analogous structures. Vestigial structures are homologous, indicating common ancestry, while analogous structures evolve independently.
Sources
- Homologies: Vestigial Structures - Evolution - evolution.berkeley.edu
- Evidence of common descent - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Evidence of evolution review (article) | Khan Academy - khanacademy.org
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