analogous structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "analogous structure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in biological contexts to describe features in different species that have similar functions but evolved independently. Example: "The wings of bats and the wings of birds are examples of analogous structures, as they serve the same purpose of flight but have different evolutionary origins."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The presence of the analogous structure, in this case the wing, does not reflect evolutionary closeness among the organisms that possess it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Intellectual virtues have an analogous structure, Zagzebski argues.

SEP

The bacterial cell wall presents a barrier to penetration, for which no analogous structure is present in mammalian cells.

Journal of Cheminformatics

The BC2N as an example of boron-carbon-nitride (BCN), has the analogous structure as the graphene and boron nitride.

Superlattices and Microstructures

These same examples make their way from edition to edition, along with the classic illustration of an analogous structure: the wings of butterflies, birds, and bats.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The 3D analogous structure of a quadtree is called octree, which partitions a 3D space region into eight subregions (or octants).

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The bottom-up "total synthesis" of structurally defined CNTs or analogous structures could bring many technological benefits, because CNTs have highly desirable optoelectronic properties.

Angewandte Chemie - International Edition

His theory successfully served to describe boranes and many other analogous structures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In many cases analogous structures, or analogues, tend to become similar in appearance by a process termed convergence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Analogous structures, by contrast, may resemble each other because they perform the same function, but they have different evolutionary origins and often a different structure, the wings of insects and of birds being a prime example of this.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Analogous structures, on the other hand, can be represented by the wings of birds and of insects; the structures are used for flight in both types of organisms, but they have no common ancestral origin at the beginning of their evolutionary development.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "analogous structure", ensure that you clarify the specific features or functions that are similar between the structures being compared. This provides clarity and strengthens your argument, especially in scientific or technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "analogous structure" when you should be using "homologous structure". Homologous structures share a common ancestry, while analogous structures have similar functions but different evolutionary origins. Ensure you understand the evolutionary history before applying the term.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "analogous structure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of structural relationship between two or more entities, often within the context of scientific or technical discussions. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correctly used in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

80%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "analogous structure" is a noun phrase commonly used in scientific and academic contexts to describe structures with similar functions but different evolutionary origins. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct. It's essential to differentiate it from "homologous structure", which refers to structures sharing a common ancestry. When using "analogous structure", provide clear context regarding the specific similarities. While often found in science, its use extends to other domains where structural comparisons are relevant. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in science, encyclopedias, and wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

comparable structure

Focuses on the similarity in form or arrangement but might not imply a functional similarity.

similar formation

Emphasizes the way something is created or arranged, highlighting a resemblance in the building process.

matching organization

Highlights the alignment and correspondence in the arrangement of elements within structures.

parallel construction

Refers to the aligned arrangement or development, highlighting a mirrored or corresponding build.

related configuration

Indicates a shared spatial arrangement or setup, suggesting a connection in how things are spatially organized.

corresponding design

Highlights a design that closely relates to or matches another, especially in purpose or function.

equivalent layout

Emphasizes that the arrangement of components or elements are functionally and spatially interchangeable.

uniform pattern

Highlights a regularity or consistency in the arrangement, suggesting that elements are arranged in an identical manner.

resembling architecture

Suggests a visual or structural likeness in the overall design and organization of the entities.

comparable morphology

Specifically highlights similarity in shape and form, commonly used in biological or geological contexts.

FAQs

How does an "analogous structure" differ from a homologous one?

An "analogous structure" shares a similar function but has different evolutionary origins, whereas a homologous structure shares a common ancestry, regardless of function. For example, the wings of a bird and a bat are analogous, while the arm of a human and the wing of a bat are homologous.

In what fields is the term "analogous structure" most commonly used?

The term "analogous structure" is most commonly used in evolutionary biology, comparative anatomy, and related scientific fields to describe features with similar functions but different evolutionary backgrounds.

What are some alternatives to "analogous structure"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "comparable structure", "similar formation", or "parallel construction".

Can "analogous structure" apply to concepts or systems, or only physical structures?

While often used in the context of physical structures, ""analogous structure"" can also apply to concepts or systems that share similar organizational principles or functional roles, even if their underlying components differ.