In order to determine which statement is not true, let's first understand the concepts of homologous and analogous structures. Homologous structures are body parts in different species that have a similar structure and position but differ in function, indicating a common ancestry. On the other hand, analogous structures perform similar functions but have different evolutionary origins, stemming from convergent evolution.
Let's evaluate each statement:
Thus, the statement, "Flippers of penguins and dolphins are a pair of homologous organs," is not true.
| Pair of skeletal parts | Category | |
|---|---|---|
| (a)$\,\,$ | Sternum and ribs$\,\,$ | Axial skeleton |
| (b)$\,\,$ | Clavicle and glenoid cavity$\,\,$ | Pelvic girdle |
| (c)$\,\,$ | Flumerus and ulna$\,\,$ | Appendicular skeleton |
| (d)$\,\,$ | Malleus and stapes$\,\,$ | Ear ossicles |
| Convergent evolution | Divergent evolution | |
|---|---|---|
| (a) | Eyes of octopus and mammals | Bones of forelimbs of vertebrates |
| (b) | Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita | Wings of butterfly and birds |
| (c) | Bones of forelimbs of vertebrates | Wings of butterfly and birds |
| (d) | Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendrils of Cucurbita | Eyes of octopus and mammals |
Evolution is a process that occurs in changes in the genetic content of a population over time. Evolutionary change is generally classified into two: microevolution and macroevolution. The process of changes in allele frequencies in a population over time is a microevolutionary process. Three main mechanisms that cause allele frequency change are natural selection, genetic drift, and gene flow. On the other hand, macroevolution refers to change at or above the level of the species.