What are some examples of analogus structures?
The following are the differences between analogous and homologous structures:
- Analogous structures share a similar function but not an evolutionary origin.
- Homologous traits have a common ancestor and are therefore more closely related.
- Analogous structures are divergent from their ancestral source, while homologous structures have a common ancestor.
Which of these are homologous structures?
This definition is found in evolutionary biology and uses the meaning of having a similar structure or origin. Common examples of homologous structures are the bones in the forelimbs of various vertebrates, such as humans, dogs, birds and whales.
What do homologous structures have in common?
Quiz
- Homologous structures do not have to have the same function. Instead, they must: A. ...
- Only mammals can share homologous structures. A. ...
- Human photoreceptors are different from chimera photoreceptors because:
Do all homologous structures look alike?
Not all homologies are obvious. If two homologous structures have been adapted for different roles, they may not look very much alike. For example, the chomping front teeth of a beaver look quite different than the tusks of an elephant.

Why do analogous structures occur?
Analogous structures are examples of convergent evolution, where two organisms separately have to solve the same evolutionary problem – such as staying hidden, flying, swimming, or conserving water – in similar ways. The result is similar body structures that developed independently.
What are analogous structures and how are they formed?
Different species can evolve to become more similar While homologous structures show how similar species have changed from their ancient ancestors, analogous structures show how different species have evolved to become more similar.
What is analogous structures mean?
Organisms that have evolved along different paths may have analogous structures—that is, anatomical features that are superficially similar to one another (e.g., the wings of birds and insects). Although such structures serve similar functions, they have quite different evolutionary origins and developmental patterns.
What is a analogous structure and what are some examples?
Analogous structures are similar structures in unrelated organisms. These structures are similar because they do the same job, not because they share common ancestry. For example, dolphins and sharks both have fins, even though they aren't related. Both species developed fins because of how (and where) they live.
Why do analogous structures evolve?
Analogous structures are structures that are similar in unrelated organisms. The structures are similar because they evolved to do the same job, not because they were inherited from a common ancestor.
What are 3 examples of analogous?
Some examples of analogous structures are wings of birds and butterflies, flippers of Penguins and Dolphins, eyes of the octopus and of mammals, sweet potato and potato.
What's the difference between homologous and analogous structures?
Structures with similar anatomy, morphology, embryology and genetics but dissimilar functions are known as homologous structures. Structures that are superficially similar but anatomical dissimilar doing the same function are known as analogous structures.
What type of evolution is analogous structures?
Convergent evolution is the independent evolution of similar features in species of different periods or epochs in time. Convergent evolution creates analogous structures that have similar form or function but were not present in the last common ancestor of those groups.
What are analogous structures?
And analogous structures can include behavioral traits, such as the songs of many different species of birds.
Why are homologous structures similar?
Homologous structures are similar in structure and function because they originated from the same ancestor long ago. Species may also have similar traits even though they are not related to each other. This usually results because the species live in similar environments and fill similar ecological roles.
Why are phylogenies based on homologous structures?
Phylogenies are based on homologous structures and describe species that are derived from a common ancestor. Because analogous traits can be so similar, it may be difficult to distinguish them from homologies.
Why do scientists use phylogenies?
They use phylogenies to describe species that are derived from a common ancestor, but must use methods like fossil evidence and molecular comparisons to understand if a trait is actually an analogous structure. Learning Outcomes.
Why do some species have similar traits?
Many species have similar traits because they are descendants of a single common ancestor. These species developed from a single source and are related to a certain degree despite their current differences. The traits they share are known as homologous structures.
Can birds have analogous songs?
However, it has been found that some bird species that are quite unrelated can develop analogous song characteristics if held together in similar conditions for periods of time in a lab. Identifying Analogous Structures.
Can you tell if a species has developed features from a common ancestor or from a common environment
Simply looking at body structures does not provide enough information to determine whether species have developed features from a common ancestor or from a common environment. And while they may not be easily identifiable, analogous structures provide quite a bit of evidence for adaptations through natural selection.
Speciation
Speciation is the change over time of one species into a new species. Why would different species become more similar? Usually, the cause of convergent evolution is similar selection pressures in the environment.
Taxonomy
When Carolus Linnaeus first began classifying and naming species with taxonomy, the science of classification, he often grouped similar-looking species into similar groups. This led to incorrect groupings compared to evolutionary origins of the species. Just because species look or behave the same doesn't mean they are closely related.
Examples
The human eye is very similar in structure to the eye of the octopus. In fact, the octopus eye is superior to the human's in that it doesn't have a "blind spot." Structurally, that is the only difference between the eyes. However, the octopus and the human are not closely related and reside far from each other on the phylogenetic tree of life.

Examples of Analogous Structures
- Wings Through The Ages
As mentioned above, many creatures have independently developed wings. All wings were evolved in order to solve the same problem: how to fly through the air. But they have evolved on several different occasions throughout history. Insects were the first organisms to evolve struct…
Difference Between Analogous and Homologous Structures
- The difference between homologousand analogous structures can be thought of in terms of ancestry and function: • Analogous structures have different ancestry, but the same function. These can be thought of in terms of the literary device of “analogy,” where two different things are compared based on their similarities. • Homologous structureshave the same ancestry, but may …
Identifying Analogous Structures
- Scientists usually identify analogous structures by looking at the known relatives of the two species being studied. If a line of common inheritance can be found – such as humans and monkeys both having fingers, when we have a fossil record showing that humans and monkeys shared a common ancestor, who also had fingers – the structures are not considered analogous…
Related Biology Terms
- Convergent evolution– When two species independently evolve similar solutions to an evolutionary problem.
- Evolution – The process by which organisms change over time, due to natural selectionand survival of the fittest.
Quiz
- 1. Which of the following is NOT an example of convergent evolution? A. Cacti in North America and Africa that have the same body structures. B. Birds and bats that are both able to fly. C. Whales and bats that both have metacarpal “finger” bones. D.Platypi and ducks that both have duck bills. 2. Which of the following is true of analogous structures? A. They have the same func…