Bone structure of forelimbs of vertebrates like whale, bat, cheetah and human is evidence of:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Divergent evolution
Option (2) Divergent evolution — Correct. The forelimbs of whale, bat, cheetah and human have the same pattern of bones but do different jobs; they are homologous organs. Such homology comes from divergent evolution.
NCERT Extract:
What Are the Evidences for Evolution? – “… Though these forelimbs perform different functions in these animals, they have similar anatomical structure – all of them have humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals and phalanges in their forelimbs. Hence, in these animals, the same structure developed along different directions due to adaptations to different needs. This is divergent evolution and these structures are homologous.”