BACKGROUND-Q1: In your own words, discuss how the bone structure of the limbs in the cat, whale, and bat are similar to those seen in humans.
BACKGROUND-Q2: In your own words, describe how the function of these homologous structures differ for each animal. What can the human hand do that the others cannot?
Answers
(Sorry if these answers are too short.)
ANSWER 1:
♦ The limbs of cats, whales, bats, and humans are all modified hands and feet, and they are based upon the skeletal system.
♦ Due to this fundamental similarity in structure, we can conclude that all the limbs of the mentioned animals are homologous organs.
♦ Thus, the limbs of cats, whales, and bats show similar origin and common ancestry to the limbs of humans.
ANSWER 2:
♦ The limbs of cats serve as locomotive appendages, and provide a defensive mechanism by allowing them to safely fall from a height.
♦ The limbs of whales are like fins, and mainly serve to steer the whale in the correct direction while swimming.
♦ The limbs of bats have large surface area, and are modified into wings for speedy flight.
♦ Human limbs are quite versatile, and have been modified into several small fingers and joints, allowing them to grab and interact with the environment around them.
Hope this helped!