homology
Other forms: homologies
A good example of homology is the wing of a bird and the flipper of a whale, which have the same evolutionary origin. Consequently, they're in a similar place on the body and have some similar characteristics.
Homology exists between any distinct things that are the same in some important way. The word comes from Greek homologia, meaning "agreement"; the combining form homo- means “same." In biology, homology exists between parts or structures that are similar in some way, including having the same evolutionary origin. This is different from analogy, which is a similarity that doesn't have a common evolutionary origin — such as the analogy between a bird's wing and a mosquito's: Both are used for flying, but they developed by independent paths.
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similarity or correspondence in position, structure, function, or origin, such as the four limbs of humans, birds, and dogstype of:similaritythe quality of being similar
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Vocabulary lists containing homology
If you need to learn about evolution, you'll naturally want to select this list of terms related to evolutionary biology. Review heredity, adaptation, extinction, and more. When it comes to vocabulary success, it's survival of the fittest — but this list is sure to give you an advantage over the competition.
If you need to learn about evolution, you'll naturally want to select this list of terms related to evolutionary biology. Review heredity, adaptation, extinction, and more. When it comes to vocabulary success, it's survival of the fittest — but this list is sure to give you an advantage over the competition.
This vocabulary list features words derived from the Greek homos meaning "same, like, equal."