Question

Bat and insects have no common ancestry but both have functional wings for flight. This adaptation for aerial life indicates?

Answer 1

This indicates convergent evolution . Different structures evolved along same direction due to simailarities in adaptations. Wings of bat and insects are analogous organs

Answer 2

This adaptation for aerial life indicates Convergent evolution or analogous organs.

• The wings of bats and insects may look similar at first look but have different structures.
• Insect wings are extended epithelium (The outermost layer of skin) whereas the wings of bats have a bone structure similar to mammals therefore, the bone structure of the wings of bats and the limbs of mammals are homologous.
• Homologous organs are those which have similar functions and evolved from the same ancestors.
• Moreover, Insects are invertebrates whereas bats are mammals. Hence, have different ancestors.
• But insect wings and bat wings have different structures and ancestors but similar functions of flight. Hence, they are Analogous Structures.
• Similar functions must have evolved due to similar habitats and habits leading to the converging of two species with similar functions. This is called Convergent Evolution.