Homologous Organs: An organ is known as a homologous organ if they have the same ancestor but the function differs. These organs show that there are relationships between different organisms from the time of their origin with little changes. Example: The arm of whales, humans and birds has been derived from the same ancestor but they perform different function.

Homologous Organs

• These are referred to as the organs/traits that are inherited by two different organisms but from the same ancestry.
• They are similar in morphology but their functions are different. Homology was introduced by Charles Darwin in 1859.
• They have the same embryonic origin.
• Homology shows the divergent evolution that is the one ancestry that leads to further development in the organisms.
• Examples of homologous organs are the forelimbs of dogs and the flippers of whales.
• They are morphologically and structurally the same but have different functions.
• The wings of the birds and forelimbs of the lizard have the same arrangement of bones but work differently.

Structure of Homologous Organs

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By Team Learning Mantras