Definitions
- Describing structures in organisms that have a similar origin and structure, but may have different functions. - Referring to chromosomes that have the same genes in the same order, but may have different alleles. - Talking about mathematical or geometric figures that have the same shape and size, but may be oriented differently.
- Describing structures in organisms that have a different origin and structure, but may have similar functions. - Referring to traits that have evolved independently in different species due to similar environmental pressures. - Talking about mathematical or geometric figures that have a similar shape, but may have different sizes or proportions.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe similarities between two things.
- 2Both words can be used to describe biological structures.
- 3Both words can be used to describe mathematical or geometric figures.
What is the difference?
- 1Structure: Homologous structures have a similar structure, while analogous structures have a different structure.
- 2Function: Homologous structures may have different functions, while analogous structures have similar functions.
- 3Evolution: Homologous structures suggest a common ancestor, while analogous structures suggest convergent evolution.
- 4Size: Homologous structures may have different sizes, while analogous structures have similar sizes or proportions.
Remember this!
Homologous and analogous are both adjectives used to describe similarities between two things. However, homologous refers to structures that have a similar origin and structure, but may have different functions, while analogous refers to structures that have a different origin and structure, but may have similar functions. Homologous structures suggest a common ancestor, while analogous structures suggest convergent evolution.
