Question

Explain the terms analogous and homologous organs.

Answer 1

Analogous organs:

1. These are organs that have dissimilarities in anatomical structure but have similarities in the functions they perform.
2. They are the result of convergent evolution.
3. For example, in plants, we see that the stem of potato and the root of sweet potato show vegetative propagation though their structure is different they perform a similar function.
4. In animals, we also see wings of the insect and birds shows convergent evolution as they perform a similar function of flying but have different anatomical structure.

Homologous organs:

1. These are the organs that have similar anatomical structures but perform various functions.
2. They are a result of divergent evolution.
3. For example in animals we see that the wings of bats, the forearms of humans, and the legs of cheetahs have similar anatomical structures but perform different functions like flying, walking, and running respectively.
4. In plants tendrils of Cucurbits and thorns of Bougainvillaea are also examples of homologous organs performing different functions.