Similar-looking features with different origins that evolved independently for similar function, like bird and insect wings.
Wings of insects, birds and bats evolved independently. Their structure differs: insect wings are cuticle outgrowths, bird wings are feathered forelimbs and bat wings are skin stretched over elongated fingers. They result from convergent evolution due to similar selection pressures.
Analogous traits can mislead classification.
Similar-looking features with different origins that evolved independently for similar function, like bird and insect wings.
Analogous Structures is one of the 53 topics in Evolution. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Convergent Evolution, Homologous Structures, Vestigial Structures.
The eyes of squid and vertebrates are similar but evolved separately.
Analogous Structures is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Evolution that pair well with it include Evolution, Natural Selection, Charles Darwin.
The closest topics to Analogous Structures are Convergent Evolution, Homologous Structures, Vestigial Structures, Variation and Selection Pressure. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Analogous Structures. To practise the whole of Evolution, use the Evolution quiz.
Analogous Structures: Similar-looking features with different origins that evolved independently for similar function, like bird and insect wings. Convergent Evolution: Unrelated lineages evolve similar traits because they face similar selective pressures. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Convergent Evolution and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Evolution quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Unrelated lineages evolve similar traits because they face similar selective pressures.
🦎 EvolutionBody parts with similar structure from a common ancestor but different functions, like a human arm and bat wing.
🦎 EvolutionReduced features retained from ancestors that have lost most of their original function, such as the human appendix.
🦎 EvolutionEnvironmental factors like predators or climate that favour certain heritable variants over others.
🦎 Evolution