When organisms of different species have different structures with similar functions?
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By Sam Lucas Show
Comparative anatomy is the study of similarities and differences within the structures of organisms. 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. Regardless of whether it is an arm, leg, flipper or wing, these structures are built upon the same bone structure.  Diagram from: https://www.ck12.org/book/cbse_biology_book_class_xii/section/9.9/ Homologies are the result of divergent evolution. Divergent evolution is the process in which organisms from the same common ancestor evolve and accumulate differences, often resulting in a new species. This may occur due to pressures such as changes in abiotic or biotic factors within the environment. On the opposite side of the spectrum, analogous structures are similar physical features in organisms that do not share a common ancestor. Instead, these structures are related to one another because they perform the same function. An example of this are the wings of a bat and the wings of a bird. They have completely different bone structure, but their wings share the same function, allowing the animal to take flight. Diagram from: https://evolution.berkeley.edu/evolibrary/article/_0_0/evo_09 Analogies are a result of convergent evolution. Convergent evolution is the process in which two organisms that do not share a common ancestor evolve and develop similarities independently of one another. These similarities form because the animals either live in comparable environments or they experience the same environmental pressures, resulting in the evolution of these features. Next time you are comparing two organisms try to think about how they are related (or not) to one another. The answers may surprise you! Comment
What is it called when different species have similar structures?homology, in biology, similarity of the structure, physiology, or development of different species of organisms based upon their descent from a common evolutionary ancestor.
When organisms have the same function but different structure?To be considered analogous, the structures between the two species have to have the same function but they do not necessarily have the same anatomical features. Because analogous structures differ in anatomy as well as developmental origin they do not implicate a common ancestral origin.
What do you call to the structures in different organisms that are similar in function but different in origin?Analogous organs are those organs that have some superficial resemblance, perform similar functions and yet, have different evolutionary origins and hence, different anatomical structures.
What do we call structures found in different species that are similar in function but not structure?What Are Analogous Structures? Analogous structures are similar structures in unrelated organisms. These structures are similar because they do the same job, not because they share common ancestry.
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