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Question #46443
The Question
Read the following statements regarding the evolutionary significance of vestigial organs and embryonic development. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
Vestigial organs are essentially homologous structures that have undergone regression due to the accumulation of loss-of-function mutations under relaxed selection pressure.
- B.
The transient appearance of a rudimentary tail in human embryos provides phylogenetic evidence of a shared morphological blueprint with other vertebrates.
- C.
Vestigial organs represent analogous structures because their current lack of physiological utility demonstrates a convergence towards a simplified anatomical form.
- D.
The structural blueprint of a vestigial organ, despite its non-utility, indicates divergent evolution from an ancestor where the organ was fully functional.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Homologous Organ Ancestry|Vestigial Organs Interpretation|Appendicular Homology
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often confuse 'loss of function' with a lack of evolutionary homology.
The trap lies in Option C, which uses sophisticated phrasing ('convergence towards a simplified form') to mask a fundamental taxonomic error: vestigial organs are homologous (divergent), never analogous (convergent), because analogous structures are defined by their shared current utility, which vestigial organs lack.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Evolution - Class 12 |
| Concept | Homologous Organ Ancestry |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |