Which of the following fossils has the same embryonic origin and basic structure, but their functions differ?

The correct answer is Heterogeneous Fossil.

Key Points

• Heterogeneous fossils are fossils that have the same embryonic origin and basic structure, but their functions differ.
• For example, the wings of a bird and the flippers of a whale are both homologous structures, meaning that they have the same embryonic origin.
• However, they have different functions: the wings of a bird are used for flying, while the flippers of a whale are used for swimming.
• The other options are incorrect. Semi-developed fossils are fossils that are not fully formed.
• Decorated fossils are fossils that have been artificially decorated.
• Similar fossils are fossils that are similar in appearance, but they may not have the same embryonic origin or basic structure.

Additional Information

• A fossil is the preserved remains or traces of animals, plants, and other organisms from the remote past. The process of fossilization can occur in various ways, but typically involves the replacement of the original material in an organism with minerals.
• Fossils can come in many forms, including:
• Body fossils: These are the remains of the actual organism, such as bones, teeth, shells, and leaves. Sometimes, under exceptional circumstances, soft tissues like feathers or skin impressions can also be fossilized.
• Trace fossils: These are the signs of an organism's activity or behavior, such as footprints, burrows, or coprolites (fossilized feces).
• Chemical fossils or biomarkers: These are substances that provide an organic signature for certain types of organisms. For instance, certain types of ancient plant life can be detected through chemical fossils.
• Molecular fossils: These are remnants of biopolymers such as DNA, RNA, or proteins, that can be detected and analyzed.