Traits that are derived from a common ancestor, like the bones of human arms and bird wings, are said to be               .

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking for a term that describes traits that are derived from a common ancestor. In this case, the example given is the bones of human arms and bird wings.
2. Step 2: Recall your knowledge about evolution and common ancestry. In biology, traits that are shared by different species due to common ancestry are referred to as homologous traits.
3. Step 3: Apply this knowledge to the question. The bones of human arms and bird wings are similar because they are derived from a common ancestor. Therefore, they are homologous traits.
4. Step 4: Formulate the answer. The term that describes traits that are derived from a common ancestor is 'homologous'.
5. Step 5: Review the answer. Make sure the term 'homologous' accurately describes traits that are derived from a common ancestor, like the bones of human arms and bird wings.

Key Concepts

Homologous Structures

Homologous structures are anatomical features in different species that share a common ancestry, even if their functions differ. For example, the forelimbs of humans, whales, and birds have similar bone structures, indicating they evolved from a common ancestor, despite serving different purposes in each species.

Evolutionary Biology

Evolutionary biology is the study of the processes that drive the diversity of life on Earth, including natural selection, genetic drift, and speciation. Understanding these processes helps explain how homologous structures arise and adapt over time, reflecting the shared ancestry of different organisms.

Comparative Anatomy

Comparative anatomy is the branch of biology that compares the anatomical structures of different organisms to understand evolutionary relationships. By examining homologous structures, scientists can infer how species are related and how they have adapted to their environments over time.