Difference Between Homologous And Analogous Structures is that Homologous organs are those that have a similar structure but function differently, analogs are organs that perform similar functions despite having a different evolutionary origin.
Through the comparative anatomy, homologous and analogous organs can be found and differentiated in different organisms by contrasting them.
| Homologous organs | Analogous organs | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Similar organs in their structure with different functioning. | Those organs with a different origin that perform the same function. |
| features |
|
|
| Type of evolution | Divergent. | Convergent. |
| Presence | It can be observed in the species that inhabit different environments. | They are present in species that inhabit similar environments. |
| Examples | The wings of bats and the arms of a chimpanzee are homologous organs | The wings of the bats and the wings of the birds are analogous organs |
Homologous organs are those that are similar in their internal structure , but that perform different functions depending on the species.
Normally the homology is presented in the bodies because they come from a common ancestral organ.
The functions performed by homologous organs can become totally different because the species have adapted to the characteristics of the environment where they operate.
The development of homologous organs happens thanks to divergent evolution, where two related species change a common ancestral structure during their evolution in order to survive by performing different functions.
This is why the organs are said to be homologous when they have the same evolutionary origin, that is, a common ancestor, although they have been developed fulfilling functions with different purposes.
Example: the forelimbs of vertebrates, such as the arms, wings of birds and fins of a dolphin are homologous organs because they come from the same common ancestor, while fulfilling totally different functions.
Similar organs are those that are morphologically similar or carry out similar functions despite having a different genetic origin .
This means that the embryonic origin and development of the analogous organs is not the same, even if their structure is similar or they fulfill the same function.
Normally, the analogy occurs when species have evolved separately but have had to adapt to the same type of environment .
This development process is possible thanks to convergent evolution . Here, organisms that have had to evolve completely separate develop similar characteristics because the environmental conditions where they develop are quite similar. Difference Between Homologous And Analogous Structures.
Sharks and dolphins are two species that have had to evolve convergently.
Example: the wings of birds and insects are morphologically different, but both fulfill the same function because they allow these species to fly.
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