Homologous and homologous sequences are often confused and recognizing them is crucial to understanding the similarities and differences of different organisms.
Systems with similar anatomy, morphology, embryogenesis and genetics, but with different functions, are referred to as homologous systems.
Systems with similar functions, but with different physical structure are called Similar Systems. In this article, we discuss Homologous and Analogous sequences, their concepts and differences.
What is Homologous Structures?
Homologous and homologous sequences are often confused and recognizing them is crucial to understanding the similarities and differences of different organisms.
Systems with similar anatomy, morphology, embryogenesis and genetics, but with different functions, are referred to as homologous systems.
Systems with similar functions, but with different physical structure are called Similar Systems. In this article, we discuss Homologous and Analogous sequences, their concepts and differences.
What is Analogous Structures?
Identical sequences are similar sequences developed independently by two organisms for the same purpose. The term similarity structure comes from the root word analogy, which refers to where two different things have an essence of similarity.
Similar genes are genes that perform the same function but are found in different ancestral organisms and represent different evolutionary lines.
They don’t share their space either. However, they can develop organs or tissues that do the same thing but function differently. The adaptation of different species to similar environments resulted in the development of similar structures.
Difference Between Homologous and Analogous Structures
| Homologous Structure | Analogous Structure |
| Similar anatomy | Dissimilar anatomy |
| Dissimilar functions | Similar Functions |
| Inherited from a common ancestor | Not inherited from ancestors |
| Develops in related species | Develops in unrelated species |
| A result of divergent evolution | A result of convergent evolution |
| Developed as a result of the adaptation to a different environment | Developed as a result of the adaptation to a similar environment |
| An arm of a human, the leg of a dog or a flipper of a whale are all homologous structures | From wings in birds, bats and insects to fins in penguins and fishes are all analogous structures |
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