Development of analogous structure or organs are a result of ________…

The correct answer is Option (2) → Convergent evolution

Analogous organs do the same job but have a different basic structure and a different origin, like the wings of a butterfly and of a bird.

Option (1) Divergent evolution — Incorrect. In divergent evolution one ancestral structure changes in different directions for different jobs. It produces homologous organs, such as the forelimbs of whales, bats, cheetahs and humans.

Option (2) Convergent evolution — Correct. Here different structures evolve for the same function, so unrelated organisms come to look alike in that part.

Option (3) Adaptive radiation — Incorrect. Adaptive radiation is the evolution of many different forms from one ancestor in one area, spreading into different habitats. Darwin’s finches and the Australian marsupials are examples.

Option (4) Saltation — Incorrect. Saltation is Hugo de Vries’ idea of a single large mutation that produces a new species in one step.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2024 on 29-05-2024 (Slot 1) and on 15-05-2024 (Slot 1), and in CUET (UG) 2023 on 08-06-2023 (Slot 3).

NCERT Extract:
What Are the Evidences for Evolution? – “… Homology is based on divergent evolution whereas analogy refers to a situation exactly opposite. Wings of butterfly and of birds look alike. They are not anatomically similar structures though they perform similar functions. Hence, analogous structures are a result of convergent evolution - different structures evolving for the same function and hence having similarity. Other examples of analogy are the eye of the octopus and of mammals or the flippers of Penguins and Dolphins.”