What are Analogous Structures?

Evolution is the main driving process of nature. It is the continuous process of nature. It is the process by which new species derived from their ancestors. Many great scientists & evolutionists Like Lamarck and Darwin researched this topic & bring out some special features of the evolution process. Further, they have divided the evolution into some groups & categories. They have studied the animals closely & found out some traits common. These traits help to solve the problems related to the evolutionary process. Analogous Structure is one of the major proofs of evolution.

What Is Convergent Evolution?

Convergent Evolution is the most important part of the Evolutionary process. Though, this type of evolutionary process can’t develop more species in nature. But still, they play an important role. In this type of evolution, two or more species developed from two different species of ancestors. But these developed species will share common traits between them. They don’t evolve from the same ancestor. With the help of natural selection, Convergent Evolution can take place. By the process of Convergent Evolution, Analogous Structure appears as the common trait among the developed species.

Analogous Structure

Analogous Structure is the evidence that proves the Convergent Evolutionary relation among the species. With the help of Convergent Evolution, the common traits developed in the species. These are the structures that perform similar functionality. But these structures are not similar from the Anatomical viewpoint. This means these have different anatomical structures.

We can take an example between the wings of the Bat & Butterfly. The wings of both Bat & Butterfly perform the same function. They help to fly them. So, the function is the same. But the anatomical structure is different. Wings of Bat is developed with the Bones & Skin. But the wings of the Butterfly are developed from completely different things.

Relation In Between Convergent Evolution and Analogous Structure

Scientists have divided the evolution process into some groups & categories. Like Divergent Evolution, Convergent Evolution, Parallel Evolution, and Co-Evolution. Analogous Structure is related to Convergent Evolution. It is proof of the presence of Convergent Evolution in nature.

Convergent Evolution is a very lengthy process. At some point in time, Analogous Structure starts developing in the body of the creatures. Time by time, the Analogous Structures start developing in the body of the creature. Along with that, the Convergent Evolution continues to make two different species. In this way, when Convergent Evolution comes to the end of the process, the Analogous Structure becomes the prominent one. Then two different species developed with having the common trait which is known as Analogous Structure.

Properties Of The Analogous Structure

1. The Analogous Structure provides dissimilar anatomical structures in the creatures.
2. The Analogous Structure provides similarity to the functionality purposes.
3. The Analogous Structure will not be inherited from the ancestors.
4. The Analogous Structure is the result of the natural selection process.
5. The Analogous Structure can help to relate two different species.

Importance 

Analogous Structure helps scientists to study evolution in a better manner. It bridges the relations between two different species it helps to understand the evolutionary process. Evolution is a large process. It takes millions of millions of time to complete. Scientists study these structures to find a way to the evolution process. It helps to identify the future of evolution among all creatures. It also helps to find the future of humans. An Analogous Structure is proof that nature is the main driving force behind the evolutionary process. It also matters to the creature’s willingness to develop a new trait in it. An Analogous Structure is a piece of evidence that a creature can evolve with help of the nature. Without sharing a common ancestor, they can develop and create a modernized species.

Examples

For Flying Animal

We can take Bird & Butterfly as an example. Both have wings to fly in the sky. The wings perform the same operations. But the anatomical structure of the wings is not the same. The bird’s wing is made of bones. But the butterfly wings are not made with bone.

There are Hummers, Ulna, and Radius bones present for the Bird. The Phalanges bones are merged & form a completely different structure. This structure helps to hold the wing to the bird. But the butterfly wings are made with Chitinous layers. There is no bone involvement in the case of a butterfly. So, they are different from the anatomical view. But performs the same operation.

For Marine Animal

Whales & Sharks are two different species. Whales are mammals & the Shark is the fish. But they both have similar traits them. As they live in common habitats, they developed common features. The flippers of the Shark & the Whales perform the same function. But they have different structures. Also, their body shape can be an example of Analogous Structure. For living in the same habitat, Analogous Structure developed.

FAQs on Analogous Structure

Question 1: What is a Homologous Structure?

Answer:

Homologous Structure is the opposite of the Analogous Structure. These are the structures that perform different functions but they are the same from the anatomical view. This means their source of development is the same. The becks of the birds are different from each other birds. Also, they performed different functions for different birds. But their fundamental structure is the same. 

Question 2: What is Divergent Evolution?

Answer:

Divergent Evolution is the process where two or more species developed to form a common ancestor. For that reason, they share some common traits them. It is different from the Convergent Evolution process. Homologous Structure is the evidence of such a process.

Question 3: Is the arms of Humans & horses an example of Analogous Structure?

Answer:

No, this is an example of the Homologous Structure. As they perform different functions, they can’t be the Analogous Structure. Also, their anatomical structure is similar to other. So, this is an example of the Homologous Structure.

Question 4: Does Bat & Crow evolve from the same ancestors?

Answer:

No, Bat & Crow performs the Convergent Evolution. As the Convergent Evolution theory states, species can’t directly evolve from a single ancestor. So, it is clear that Bat & Crow do not have common ancestors.

Question 5: Can Analogous Structure develop with the help of Parallel Evolution?

Answer:

No, Only the Convergent Evolution has the power to develop the Analogous Structure. Parallel Evolution & Co-Evolution don’t have any specific proof. They don’t develop such kind of structure that provides evidence of evolution.