Homologous organs may be defined as the organs of different animals which have similar basic structure but different functions. For example, the flippers of a whale, the forelimbs of a frog and man have the same basic structures but they perform different functions, hence these are called homologous organs.
The flippers of whale help in swimming, the forelimbs of frog help in jumping and propping up the front end of its body when at rest, while the forelimb of a man are used for writing, holding things, eating food and doing works of art and craft. The presence of same basic structure in the flippers of whale, forelimbs of frog and man shows that all these organisms are closely related and have evolved from a common ancestor. In this way the homologous organs provide evidence for the evolution of organisms.
Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions:
- What are homologous organ.
- Name the homologous organs of three animals.
- How do homologous organ provide evidence for evolution?