Question

Explain the terms analogous and homologous organs with examples.

Answer 1

Analogous organs : The organs which have similar functions but are different in anatomical structures are called analogous organs. Examples of analogous organs are as follows:

• Wings of an insect and bird.
• Pectoral fins of shark and flippers of dolphin.
• Eyes of mammal and octopus.

Homologous organs : The organs which have the anatomically same structure but are different in functions are called homologous organs. Examples of homologous organs are as follows:

• Mouth parts of cockroach, honey bee, butterfly.
• Forelimb of man, whale, bat, cheetah.
• Thorns of Bougainvillea and tendril of Curcurbita.