Broccoli and cauliflower possess the same homologous trait. They are both flower vegetables and share very similar structures. The broccoli and the cauliflower look very similar in texture and shape however, their florets are slightly different. They also differ in color. Broccoli is green and cauliflower is white. The tips of the broccoli and the cauliflower are actually flowers. These are the homologous trait. Broccolis’ tips are green and cauliflower’s tips are white. They are both actually derived from a mustard plant and have gone through many generations of artificial selection. They no longer have the texture of the flower of the mustard plant or the scent. Broccoli has a more spread out flower mass with space between each cluster of stalk. The cauliflower has more closely bunched flower mass that is closer to the stems. Both of these flower vegetables contain many vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial to human growth and health.
The sugar glider and the flying squirrel are analogous examples. They look very similar. They both have big eyes, white bellies and a thin skin that stretches from their arms to their legs, almost like wings. The analogous trait they share is their gliding wings. The wings help these animals glide from tree top to tree top and help them to stabilize themselves at great heights. These animals are only distantly related, though. These mammals independently adapted these similar features for similar life styles. They both have big eyes as well, for foraging at night. Their common ancestor was a rat like mammal. This mammal did not possess either the wings or the big eyes. They did not need these traits to survive.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteHow smart of you to compare broccoli and cauliflower and how oblivious I was to not even think about them as species! I was going crazy last night trying to find different species.
Being a fan of both cauliflower and broccoli, I used to refer to them as relatives or cousins since they look and taste alike. What I didn't know and find interesting is that they both derived from mustard plant. I also love mustard seeds:).It's also interesting how they don't smell like mustard.
Serena (Mita)
You found great examples for both, the homologous and analogous trait!
ReplyDeleteI have never thought either that broccoli and cauliflower derived from mustard plant. I love both vegetables, especially broccoli. Your examples of the analogous trait were interesting too. Good job!
I think it was interesting that you went outside the box to include something other than an animal to show your example of a homologous trait. Broccoli and Cauliflowers do look very similar and yet have so many similarities like their texture.
ReplyDeleteI would have never guessed you were talking about two different animals for your analogous trait part. I actually thought you were comparing a rat and a flying squirrel from first glance until I read your actually comparing the squirrel to a sugar glider. They are identical and yet you mention they are distantly related. They have similar eyes and bat like arms and yet couldn't be more apart genetically. I really like both of your examples, first one because you used something other than an animal and second, you used very similar animals who are so different in their genetic makeup. Have a great weekend.
I like your analogy example!
ReplyDeleteNo other student has offered plants as an example of homologies. That doesn't they don't have them, just that students tend to go for the animals, so good for you on going a different route and good job discussing their common ancestor. That was really interesting and very unique.