Analogy (biology): Difference between revisions

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Two structures in biology are said to be analogous if they perform the same or similar function by a similar mechanism. For example, the wings of insects and the wings of birds. These similar structures may have evolved through different pathways, a process known as convergent evolution, or may be homologous.

The concept of analogy is contrasted with that of homology, which refers to two structures that share a common ancestor and share basic structure. Homologous structures may retain the function they served in the common ancestor or they may evolve to fulful different functions for example, the wings of birds versus the forelimbs of mammals.

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 Two structures in biology are said to be '''analogous''' if they perform the same or similar function by a similar mechanism. For example, the wings of [[insects]] and the wings of [[birds]].  These similar structures may have evolved through different pathways, a process known as [[convergent evolution]], or may be [[Homology (biology)|homologous]].
-The concept of [[analogy]] is contrasted with that of homology, which refers to two structures that share a common ancestor. They may retain the function of the common ancestor, or they may have evolved to fulfill quite distinct functions; for example, the wings of birds versus the forelimbs of mammals.
+The concept of [[analogy]] is contrasted with that of homology, which refers to two structures that share a common ancestor and share basic structure. Homologous structures may retain the function they served in the common ancestor or they may evolve to fulful different functions for example, the wings of birds versus the forelimbs of mammals.
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