Analogous vs Homologous

How do homologous structures provide evidence for common ancestry, while analogous structures do not?

• Homologous structures indicate common ancestry through similar structures in different species, whereas analogous structures perform similar functions but do not derive from a common ancestor.

• Analogous structures are a result of common ancestry, while homologous structures are not.

• Both homologous and analogous structures provide equal evidence for common ancestry.

• Neither homologous nor analogous structures provide evidence for common ancestry.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

How do homologous and analogous structures differ from each other?

• Homologous structures have similar anatomy but different functions, while analogous structures have different anatomy but similar functions.

• Homologous structures are found only in vertebrates, while analogous structures are found only in invertebrates.

• Homologous structures are a result of convergent evolution, while analogous structures are a result of divergent evolution.

• Homologous structures can perform the same functions if they are from closely related species, while analogous structures cannot.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

What are analogous structures?

• Organs or features in different species that have a similar function but evolved separately

• Structures in different species with a common ancestor and similar structure but different functions

• Features that serve no useful function and are considered evolutionary leftovers

• Identical structures found in all species

How can you identify analogous structures in different animals?

• By comparing their embryonic development

• By examining the DNA sequences

• By observing the structures that perform a similar function but are not similar in origin

• By studying the fossil record

Read the provided scenario about two different species of birds. Determine whether the similarities between their wing structures are homologous or analogous and explain your reasoning. What factors would help you determine if the similarities in wing structures between two bird species are homologous or analogous?

• Homologous, due to shared ancestry

• Analogous, due to similar environmental pressures

• Cannot be determined without genetic information

• Both homologous and analogous depending on other factors

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

How do homologous, analogous, and vestigial structures support the concept of common ancestry and the theory of evolution?

• By showing how species can adapt to different environments

• By indicating how species have evolved from common ancestors

• By demonstrating the role of genetic mutations in evolution

• By proving that evolution does not occur

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following is an example of an analogous structure that does not support the concept of common ancestry?

• Wings of a butterfly and wings of a bird

• The forelimbs of humans and the forelimbs of apes

• The tails of mice and the tails of kangaroos

• The flippers of penguins and the flippers of dolphins

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Would you rather have the ability to fly like a bird (analogous structure) or have opposable thumbs like a primate (homologous structure)?

• Ability to fly like a bird

• Have opposable thumbs like a primate

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

Which of the following structures provide evidence for the theory of evolution and the concept of common ancestry?

• Homologous structures

• Analogous structures

• Vestigial structures

• All of the above

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2

NGSS.MS-LS4-3

Imagine you are a scientist studying different animal species. How would you use the knowledge of homologous, analogous, and vestigial structures to determine the evolutionary relationships between these species?

• By comparing the DNA sequences of the species

• By observing the behavior of the species in their natural habitat

• By analyzing the physical structures and their functions to infer common ancestry

• By measuring the geographical distances between the habitats of the species

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2