Which among the following is a characteristic of homologous organs?

The correct answer is Option (4) → Both 2 and 3

Homologous organs have the same anatomical structure but perform different functions. The forelimbs of whales, bats, cheetah and human all have the same set of bones, yet they are used for swimming, flying, running and holding. The same structure developed along different directions, which is divergent evolution.

Option (1) Anatomically different structure — Incorrect. An anatomically different structure is a feature of analogous organs, such as the wings of a butterfly and of a bird.

Option (2) Different functions — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Homologous organs perform different functions, as the forelimbs of whales and bats show.

Option (3) Anatomically same structure — Correct statement, but it is only one of the correct points, so on its own it is not the answer. Homologous organs have similar anatomical structure, with humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals and phalanges in each forelimb.

NCERT Extract:
What are the Evidences for Evolution? – “… For example whales, bats, Cheetah and human (all mammals) share similarities in the pattern of bones of forelimbs (Figure 6.3b). 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.”