Homologous Structures Worksheet
Explore the concept of homologous structures in biology, examining how similar anatomical features in different species provide evidence for common ancestry and evolutionary relationships.
Includes
Standards
Topics
Homologous Structures Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Score:
Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use the provided image to help answer questions where indicated.
1. Define homologous structures in your own words and explain how they provide evidence for evolution.
2. Which of the following is the best example of a homologous structure?
The wings of a bat and the wings of a butterfly
The flipper of a whale and the leg of a cat
The eye of a human and the eye of an octopus
The thorns on a rose and the spines on a cactus
Observe the image below, which illustrates the forelimbs of several different animals.

3. Based on the image, identify two animals whose forelimbs show clear homologous structures. Explain your reasoning by referencing specific bone structures.
4. Homologous structures suggest a ancestry among different species.
5. The pattern of bones in the forelimbs of a human, bat, and whale are similar, despite their different .
6. Analogous structures are evidence of common ancestry because they have similar functions.
True
False