The similarities in the pattern of bones of forelimbs of whale, bat, cheetah and human is an example of

Mammals such as whales, bats, cheetah and humans share similarities in the pattern of bones of forelimbs. Though these forelimbs perform different functions in these animals, they have similar anatomical structure – all of them have humerus, radius, ulna, carpals, metacarpals and phalanges in their forelimbs. Hence, in these animals, the same structure developed along different directions due to adaptations to different needs. This is divergent evolution and these structures are homologous structures. Homology indicates common ancestry.