Despite the fact that the structures are not homologous and they frequently adapt creatures for the same function, such as flying. Instead, each organism's equivalent structure evolved independently to serve the same or similar functions. Organisms with similar features are rarely closely related and so do not have a common ancestor, so a monophyletic phylogenetic tree would not exist.

In some vertebrate species, the bones are changed for flying, while in others, they are used for walking and running.Īnalogous Structures Degree of relatedness Even though a bat and a bird have wings but a human does not, the same bones, the humerus, radius, and ulna, may be found in the arms of a bird, a bat, and a human, for example. The limbs of vertebrates are a classic example, with a basic pattern that is shared by all members but has been evolved and adapted for varied uses. Animal KingdomĪnimals with homologous structures can be found in abundance. The embryo forms of all vertebrate animals, for example, have a remarkably similar appearance.

The fact that patterns of development throughout embryology are often highly similar among creatures with homologous features demonstrates this strong link.

Whenever classified based on phylogenetic relationships, organisms that share a common ancestor frequently form a monophyletic group. Homologous Structures Degree of relatedness

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