1. What structure(s) would be most helpful in determining a common ancestor of diverse organisms? Explain. (Homologous, analogous, and/or vestigial structures)
Homologous structures would be most helpful in determining a common ancestor of diverse organisms. These structures are similar in different species because they are inherited from a common ancestor. By studying homologous structures, scientists can trace back evolutionary relationships and identify shared ancestry among different organisms. Analogous structures, on the other hand, are similar in function but not in structure or origin, making them less reliable for determining common ancestry. Vestigial structures are remnants of functional structures in ancestors that have lost their original function. While they can provide clues about evolutionary history, they may not always be present or as clear as homologous structures in identifying common ancestry.
