When the first example of a duckbilled platypus was presented for identification, the scientists that received the specimen tried to remove all of its pieces and parts to prove it had been contrived. Indeed, it is an odd creature seemingly made up of spare parts from various classes of animals. The bill of the platypus is not related to the bill of a duck though they seem so similar and evolved to solve a similar environmental pressure (accessing food while in the water). What do we call structures like these bills?

a. homologous
b. vestigial
c. analogous
d. phylogenetic


c. analogous

Biology & Microbiology

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Darwin realized that most species produce many more offspring than is necessary to maintain a constant population. The "excess" individuals in a population

A) mutate and are able to adapt to new environments. B) die before they can reproduce. C) evolve to become new species. D) migrate to another location.

Biology & Microbiology

Which of the following affects the osmolarity of a solution? I) concentration of cations II) concentration of anions III) concentration of water

Which of the following affects the osmolarity of a solution? I) concentration of cations II) concentration of anions III) concentration of water A) only I B) only III C) only I and II D) only II and III E) I, II and III

Biology & Microbiology

Most of the chemical compounds produced by the body are synthesized by the ________.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Biology & Microbiology

External genitalia of the male reproductive system include the

A) ejaculatory duct. B) urethra and scrotum. C) penis and scrotum. D) penis. E) penis, urethra, and ejaculatory duct.

Biology & Microbiology