Homologous, Analogous, Vestigial

Evidence for Evolution and Evolutionary Relationships

​

Evidence

• Fossils

• Homologous Structures

• Analogous Structures

• Vestigial Structures

• Embryology

Analogous Structures

A structure that is found in two species that has similar function but has evolved differently.

Multiple Choice

Which is an example of a analogous structure?

• a bat wing and a bird wing

• a cat arm and a human arm

• a human arm and a whale fin

Homologous Structures

A body part found in two different ancestors that provides evidence of common ancestor

Can have different Functions

Multiple Choice

Which would be an example of a homologous structure?

• a bird wing and a bat wing

• a cat arm and a whale fin

• a dolphin fin and whale fin

• a bird wing and a butterfly wing

Vestigial Structures

Structures that can no longer be used by an organism

Fully functioning in an ancestor

Multiple Select

Which are examples of vestigial structures? Select all that apply!

• human appendix

• whale pelvis

• tail bone

Embryology

Embryos of different organisms look different.

This shows they have a common ancestor.

Shared Characteristics

Characteristics that were shared in the common ancestor and have remained unchanged.

Characteristics that have been modified from the common ancestor

Cladograms

Branching or tree diagram that shows an evolutionary relationship

The farther up they branch off, the more closely related they are.

Multiple Choice

Who is the most closely related?

• fist and bird

• bird and lizard

• rat and bird