Which of the following paires of organs represent adaptive convergence?

Options

A. Flippers of penguins and dolphins
B. Forelimbs of human and horse
C. Heart of birds and mammals
D. Brain of human and fishes

Answer

To determine which pairs of organs represent adaptive convergence, we need to understand the concept of convergent evolution. Here’s a step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Define Adaptive Convergence
Adaptive convergence, or convergent evolution, occurs when different species develop similar traits or organs independently, usually because they adapt to similar environments or ecological niches. These traits are called analogous structures.

### Step 2: Analyze the Options
We need to evaluate each pair of organs given in the options to see if they are analogous (representing convergent evolution) or homologous (representing divergent evolution).

1. **Flippers of Penguins and Dolphins**:
- Both penguins (birds) and dolphins (mammals) have flippers that serve the same function of swimming. Despite being from different evolutionary lineages, the flippers are structurally similar due to adaptation to a similar aquatic environment. This is an example of adaptive convergence.

2. **Forelimbs of Humans and Horses**:
- The forelimbs of humans (primates) and horses (ungulates) have different functions and structures. While they may have some similarities due to being forelimbs, they are not analogous because they evolved from a common ancestor. This is an example of divergent evolution.

3. **Hearts of Birds and Mammals**:
- The hearts of birds and mammals are also homologous structures. They share a common evolutionary ancestor but have adapted differently to their respective needs. This is another example of divergent evolution.

4. **Brains of Humans and Fishes**:
- Similarly, the brains of humans (mammals) and fishes are homologous. They have evolved from a common ancestor but have adapted to different functions and environments. This is also an example of divergent evolution.

### Step 3: Conclusion
After analyzing the options, the only pair that represents adaptive convergence is the **flippers of penguins and dolphins**.

### Final Answer
The correct answer is: **Flippers of Penguins and Dolphins**.

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