Homologous & Analogous Structures

Front

What are homologous structures?

Back

Structures that are inherited from a common ancestor, showing similar anatomy but may serve different functions.

Front

What are analogous structures?

Back

Structures that evolved independently in different species but serve similar functions due to similar environmental pressures.

Front

Give an example of homologous structures.

Back

Human arm and whale flipper.

Front

Give an example of analogous structures.

Back

Bird wings and insect wings.

Front

What is the main difference between homologous and analogous structures?

Back

Homologous structures share a common ancestor; analogous structures do not.

Front

What does it mean if a structure is vestigial?

Back

A vestigial structure is a remnant of a structure that was functional in an ancestor but is no longer functional in the current organism.

Front

Are penguin flippers and fish fins homologous or analogous?

Back

Analogous.

Front

What is an example of a vestigial structure in humans?

Back

The appendix.

Front

What type of evolution do analogous structures represent?

Back

Convergent evolution.

Front

What type of evolution do homologous structures represent?

Back

Divergent evolution.