NEETZoologyEvolution
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): Sweet potato and potato represent convergent evolution. Reason (R): They share a similar anatomical origin and structure but perform different functions. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Options
- ABoth (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- BBoth (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- CBoth (A) and (R) are incorrect
- D(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
Correct answer
D. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
Step-by-step solution
Sweet potato is a root modification and potato is a stem modification. They have different anatomical origins but perform the same function of food storage. This makes them analogous organs, which are a result of convergent evolution. Therefore, Assertion (A) is correct. Reason (R) is incorrect because analogous organs have different anatomical origins and perform similar functions. The statement in the reason describes homologous organs (divergent evolution), not analogous ones. Answer: (A) is correct but (R) is n