Homologous and Analogous Structures

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What are homologous structures?

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Structures in different species that are similar due to shared ancestry, even if they have different functions.

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What are analogous structures?

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Structures in different species that have similar functions but evolved independently, not due to common ancestry.

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Do analogous structures indicate common ancestry?

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No, analogous structures do not show common ancestry.

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What is an example of homologous structures?

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The forelimbs of humans, whales, and bats, which have different functions but similar bone structures.

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What is an example of analogous structures?

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The wings of birds and insects, which serve the same function of flying but evolved independently.

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What are vestigial structures?

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Body parts that have lost their original function through evolution, such as the hind leg bones in whales.

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How can DNA sequences indicate relatedness between organisms?

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Organisms that are closely related will have very similar DNA sequences.

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What does embryological similarity indicate?

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Similarities in the embryonic development of different species can suggest a common ancestor.

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What is the significance of fossil similarities between extinct and modern species?

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Similarities may indicate that the extinct species and modern species share a common ancestor.

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What is the difference between homologous and analogous structures?

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Homologous structures arise from common ancestry, while analogous structures arise from convergent evolution.