Properties of Homologous Structure

Homologous Structure

Homologous Structures are those structures, that have the same anatomical structure. But they perform different functions. Homologous Structures are generally a missing link among a set of species. It proves that those species were closely linked up with each other at any point in time. Due to the evolution process, they developed two distinct species. But their origin is the same. Due to some factors, the Homologous Structures developed with the help of natural selection. from the outside of the structure, they can resemble two different structures. As they perform two different functions. But if those structures can be noticed internally, there will be a clear similarity among them. This type of structure developed from a certain evolutionary process, known as Divergent Evolution....

Divergent Evolution

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Vestigial Structures

Vestigial structures are those structures in the body which does not have any particular function and are just the residual part of the ancestors. For Examples pelvic bone of snakes, the human appendix, wings of flightless birds. As they don’t have any function in the body but they require extra energy in the body and they can also cause many diseases. Most of them are harmless that’s why they are not removed from the body because removing them requires many alterations and can also cause many side effects in the body. These structures are not useless from the start instead they were very useful in ancient times but along with evolution the functions which were performed by these parts no longer exist so they become useless....

Properties of Homologous Structure

The Homologous Structure can be developed in such species, which were closely related to each other. The species must have a common ancestor in the evolutionary process. The Homologous Structures must be similar to the internal. As they will be the same from the anatomical view. The Homologous Structure must perform different activities. Then only the structures can be categorized as Homologous Structures. The Homologous Structure can be similar to the external. But many times, they don’t have a similar view from the outside....

Importance of Homologous Structure

Homologous Structures plays an important role in the evolutionary study. They act as a bridge or as a missing link between two species. Scientists can able to find a clear relationship between two species by studying the Homologous Structures. As it can only be associated with the Divergent Evolution, it can be proof of Divergent Evolution also. Scientists found similarities between two species by finding a relationship between them. This type of discovery helps us to know the process of Evolution. The steps of evolution can also be drawn by studying such structures. That is why Homologous Structure is very important....

Example of Homologous Structure

Structure of Forelimbs of Mammals...

FAQs on  Homologous Structures

Question 1: What is Convergent Evolution?...