WORD OF THE DAY
Something homologous is similar in function to something else. You might say that your dog's hind legs and your legs are homologous, because they have similar structure and function.
Homologous comes from the Latin for "agreeing," and has the root homo- in it, which means "same." In biology, homologous either refers to traits that share an origin, and have the same function (like the spine on all vertebrates), or structures that share an evolutionary origin, but have developed different functions. Either way, something is the same about them. You'll also find homologous in math, like when two triangles share a line.
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Vocabulary lists containing homologous
Charles Darwin expounded his theories on evolution in "The Origin of Species by Natural Selection." Learn the essential terms from his enduring work, originally published in 1859.
Dive into the gene pool and review this list of terms related to genetics. You'll learn all about DNA, heredity, chromosomes, and more.
Dive into the gene pool and review this list of terms related to genetics. You'll learn all about DNA, heredity, chromosomes, and more.
