Question

Clitoris is related to penis as
A. Analogous organs
B. Homologous organs
C. Non-functional part in females
D. Functional equivalent in females

Answer 1

The clitoris is present in females of mammals and ostrich. It develops during the procedure of sex determination during the embryonal stage. In most mammals, the clitoris does not take part in reproduction or excretion, but certain animals reproduce, urinate through it. The clitoris is often termed as the equivalent of penis in males.

Complete answer:
Option (a) is incorrect. Analogous organs are those organs present in different species that perform the same function, but their origin is different from each other. We can say that analogous organs develop in species sharing the same habitat and results from convergent evolution. For example, the wings of birds and insects are analogous organs.
Option (b) is correct. Homologous organs are organs that are derived from a common ancestor and have similar structures. The origin of the male penis and female clitoris are the same. They are formed from the genital tubercle. The tubercle is an undifferentiated structure that differentiates into either penis or clitoris depending on the exposure to androgens. The clitoris and penis, owing to similar anatomy and origin are termed as homologous organs.
Option (c) is incorrect. The clitoris in females are involved with sexual pleasure. Its stimulation makes the females ready to receive the male gametes. Clitoral stimulation increases blood flow to the vagina and changes the shape of cervix for easy passage of sperms into the uterus.
Option (d) is incorrect. The penis is a functional part in males. It helps them to urinate and discharge male gametes into females. The clitoris is however not involved in either reproduction or excretion. Therefore, it is not equivalent to penis with respect to function.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: The clitoris is a sexual organ present in females. It is believed to be the equivalent of male penis. Clitoris develops from the same region as the penis, making them homologous organs. Clitoris is typically present in mammals and in ostrich. The organ has a procreative as well as recreational functions.