Question

Give definitions for the concepts of ANALOGOUS structures in the context of vertebrate evolution, and include clearly explained examples of each.

Answer 1

Analogous structures means organisms having body parts which are are different in structures but similar in functions. This concept leads to convergent evolution as different structured parts of different organism perform the similar functions. For example -Wings of a butterfly and Wings of a bird are structurally different but they perform the same function (flying).

Eye of an octopus and human , the root modification in sweet potato and the stem modification in potato are meant for food storage, flippers of penguins and dolphins are some of the other examples.