Analogous Structures Worksheet

Analogous Structures: Form and Function

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. This worksheet focuses on analogous structures, which are structures in different species that have a similar function but evolved independently and do not share a common ancestor.

1. Which of the following best describes analogous structures?

2. The wings of a bird and the wings of an insect are considered analogous structures because:

3. Analogous structures are a result of   evolution, where unrelated organisms evolve similar traits due to similar environmental pressures.

4. The streamlined body shapes of a dolphin and a shark are examples of   structures.

5. Unlike homologous structures, analogous structures do not indicate a recent    .

6. Analogous structures always have the same underlying bone structure.

7. The eyes of a human and the eyes of an octopus are considered analogous structures.

8. Provide an example of analogous structures not mentioned in this worksheet and explain why they are analogous.

9. Observe the images of the bird wing and insect wing below. Both are used for flight. In what ways are they similar in function, and how do their structures differ, making them analogous?