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Homologous vs Vestigial - What's the difference?

homologous | vestigial |

As adjectives the difference between homologous and vestigial

is that homologous is showing a degree of correspondence or similarity while vestigial is of or pertaining to a vestige or remnant; like a trace from the past.

homologous

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Showing a degree of correspondence or similarity.
  • :
  • (biology) Corresponding to a similar structure in another life form with a common evolutionary origin.
  • :
  • *
  • :
    Lobules, homologous in structure, recur again only in the Gondwanalandic families Lepidolaenaceae and Jubulopsidaceae thus in the Lepidolaenineae.
    :
    Flippers and hands are homologous structures .
    :
  • (chemistry) Belonging to a series of aliphatic organic compounds that differ only by the addition of a CH2 group.
  • :
  • (genetics) Having the same morphology as another chromosome.
  • Usage notes

    * (biology) For a discussion of the use of the term "homology" (and by association "homologous") in biology, see: Patterson, Colin. "Homology in Classical and Molecular Biology." Molecular Biology and Evolution 5, no. 6 (November 1988): 603–625. http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/5/6/603.pdf (accessed 18 December 2009; archived 18 December 2009, http://www.webcitation.org/5m7rn4rCe )

    Antonyms

    * heterologous

    Derived terms

    * homologous series * homologous blood donation

    vestigial

    English

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Of or pertaining to a vestige or remnant; like a trace from the past.
  • Not fully developed in mature animals.
  • Derived terms

    * vestigial structure