AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Homologous structures are structures that are similar in related organisms because they were inherited from a common ancestor. These structures may or may not hav e the same function in the descendants. Figure below shows the hands of several different mammals. They all have the same basic pattern of bones.

Detailed explanation-2: -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-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: -The arm of a human, the wing of a bird or a bat, the leg of a dog and the flipper of a dolphin or whale are homologous structures. They are different and have a different purpose, but they are similar and share common traits.

Detailed explanation-5: -Structures with similar anatomy, morphology, embryology and genetics but dissimilar functions are known as homologous structures. Structures that are superficially similar but anatomical dissimilar doing the same function are known as analogous structures.