AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Homologous structures are structures that are similar in related organisms because they were inherited from a common ancestor.

Detailed explanation-2: -Structures inherited from a common ancestor are called homologous structures, or homologies.

Detailed explanation-3: -Physical features may be considered homologous or analogous, but what does this mean? Homologous structures are similar physical features in organisms that share a common ancestor, but the features serve completely different functions. An example of homologous structures are the limbs of humans, cats, whales, and bats.

Detailed explanation-4: -Homologous structures share a similar embryonic origin; analogous organs have a similar function. For example, the bones in the front flipper of a whale are homologous to the bones in the human arm. These structures are not analogous. The wings of a butterfly and the wings of a bird are analogous but not homologous.

Detailed explanation-5: -Homologous structures share an ancestor but serve a different function but analogous structures serve a similar function but do not share an ancestor. Vestigial structures are traits that our ancestors needed but no longer serve a purpose in our environment.