1. For your homologus traits provide the following
information
a. Briefly describe the two different species that possess
the homologous trait.
Humans and bats share the homologous trait of an arm and
hand. Both are complete with carpal bones and phalanges. Their hands, unlike many
other mammals, have opposable thumbs (mainly in megabats).
b. Describe the homologus trait of each species, focusing on
the differences in structure and function of the trait. Why do these homologus
traits exhibit differences between the two species? Make sure your explanation
is clear and complete.
Human thumbs are
covered in flesh while bats’ thumbs are covered in fur. Humans use their opposable
thumbs for grabbing, handling, and manipulating objects while bats use their
opposable thumbs for climbing trees to find the highest point to take flight
from.
Human thumbs are adapted to using tools while bats use
theirs to only interact with natural obstacles rather than fashioning their own
tools.
c. Who was (generally, not specifically) the common ancestor
of these two species and how do you know that ancestor possessed this homologus
trait?
The common ancestor of humans and bats is the Vertebrata. Vertebrata
are known to have developed appendages that have evolved over time with each
species. Vertebrates are distinguishable by their spinal column.
d. Provide an image of each species in this comparison.
2. For your analogous traits provide the following
information
a. Briefly describe the two different species that possess
the analogous trait.
Birds and Butterflies share the analogous trait of wings which allow them to fly through the air with the utmost ease.
b. Describe the analogous trait of each species, focusing on
the similarities in structure and function of the trait. Clearly explain why
these analogous traits exhibit similarities between the two species.
Birds and butterflies soar through the air with agility,
grace, and swiftness. This allows them to spot food with ease and constantly avoid
predation.
c. All pairs of organisms share some common ancestor if you
go back far enough in time. Did the common ancestor of these two species
possess this analogous trait? Why or why not?
No. The ancestors of both birds and butterflies did not
necessarily start out with wings. Birds evolved from a reptile without wings, and
butterflies evolved from an arthropod without wings.
d. Provide an image of each species in this comparison. (5
pts)
Great homologous trait pairing. Good description and accurate discussion of the evolutionary relationship. My only (tiny) issue is that you didn't actually show the human trait in your picture. ?? Why not?
ReplyDeleteThe analogous trait was also very good, especially since you reasoned out the evolutionary relationship to a certain degree. Do birds and butterflies have a common ancestor?
Again great post. I almost did the hand and thumb as well because of the many options. PS I see three thumbs in that picture.
ReplyDeleteHey Chris!
ReplyDeleteI like the animals you picked. I picked the same analogous animals for my blog post too. I wasn't able to find the ancestor for the butterfly, every time I tried to look it up it confused me. I like the examples you used for the homologous animals. It never crossed my mind that humans and bats shared homologous traits.
Hi Chris,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this post because it taught something that I was previously unaware of (pertaining to the human and bat comparison. I hadn't previously considered the use of a thumb by bats.