Analogous structures are bodily characteristics found in distinct species. These structures perform comparable tasks but do not originate from a shared ancestor. Their similarity is not due to genetic ties but to species adapting to comparable surroundings or ecological roles.
These structures are the result of convergent evolution. This occurs when separate species independently develop similar characteristics because they must adapt to similar environments or ecological pressures.
For instance, the wings of birds and insects are analogous structures. They both enable flight but have different structural and evolutionary backgrounds.
Consequently, the correct classification is Convergent evolution.
| List-I (Evolutionary Processes) | List-II (Example) |
| (A) Divergent evolution | (I) Wings of butterfly and birds |
| (B) Convergent evolution | (II) Lemur and spotted cuscus |
| (C) Anthropogenic evolution | (III) Hearts of vertebrates |
| (D) Adaptive Radiation | (IV) Antibiotic resistant microbes |