homologous

Homologous is used to describe multiple things that are the same or similar, especially in structure or origin.

In science, homologous is most often used in the phrase homologous structures, which refers to body parts of animals that have a similar structure or origin, as in The arms of humans and the limbs of cats are homologous structures—the layout of the bones is very similar.  

Homologous structures may have different functions. For example, a human arm and a bat’s wing are considered homologous structures because they have the same bone structure, even though they obviously have different functions.

In biology, the presence of similarities like this is known as homology.

Homologous structures are the opposite of analogous structures, which refers to body parts that serve similar functions but have different structures or origins. For example, both birds and wasps have wings, but their wings have different appearances and consist of different parts and evolved from different origins.

Example: A horse’s leg and a whale’s flipper are homologous structures that evolved from the same origin.

The first records of homologous come from the 1650s. It ultimately comes from the Greek homólogos, which means “agreeing.” Homólogos is made from homo-, meaning “same,” and -logos (here meaning “proportional”).

Homologous structures are studied in the scientific fields of biology and anatomy. They are one of the many pieces of evidence that supports the theory of evolution. Homologous structures suggest that many animals evolved from a common ancestor and their similar skeletons and body parts evolved over time to adapt to their specific habitats.

What are some other forms related to homologous?

• nonhomologous (adjective)
• unhomologous (adjective)

What are some synonyms for homologous?

• similar
• alike
• related
• correspondent

What are some words that share a root or word element with homologous? 

• homology
• homonym
• analogous
• autologous

What are some words that often get used in discussing homologous?

• structure
• chromosomes
• origin
• composition

What are some words homologous may be commonly confused with?

• analogous

Homologous is a scientific term. It’s especially used in anthropology and biology.

Teaching about homologous structures in T.rex and humans tonight. Hope students and teachers don't go home thinking they are dinosaurs! rawr

— Laura Tacho 🌮 (@rhein_wein) October 26, 2010

According to the homologous structures of our limbs…. We are pretty much cats #meow

— Hannah Creasey (@hannie_c) January 22, 2014

My bio professor is discussing homologous structures in mammals and he says "On the other hand; no pun intended." 😝

— Mac Karant (@Macman2655) August 26, 2013

Is homologous used correctly in the following sentence?

The arms of starfish and the arms of humans are homologous structures that have completely different parts and origins.