homology

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "homology" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in scientific contexts, particularly in biology and genetics, to refer to the similarity in structure or function between different species due to shared ancestry. Example: "The homology between the DNA sequences of humans and chimpanzees provides insight into our evolutionary history."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

One component of the orthologous (homologous) proteins in both species retains an activity-function homology related to visceral mesoderm specification but another component (not the homeodomain) has diverged.

SEP

This has been called serial homology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two objects that can be deformed into one another will have the same homology and cohomology groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It could be that the feature independently evolved after the two species split in traditional terminology, it is a "homoplasy" rather than a "homology"—in which case the assumption that B is indicative of ancestry would clearly be false.

Encyclopedia Britannica

No single method may be relied upon in all cases, and many different types of evidence are considered before the homology is decided upon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There are usually standard methods for computing homology and cohomology groups, and they are completely known for many spaces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Evolution provided a testable explanation for homologies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There seem to be some homologies between the major flexors of the hip and thigh in reptiles, such as puboischiotibialis, and two deeper muscles, flexor tibialis externus and internus, and some functionally equivalent muscles in mammals: the gracilis, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before evolution was generally accepted, homologies among different animals, when they were recognized at all, were regarded as aspects of God's pattern.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The homologies allow lipids to be classified into a few major groups: fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives, cholesterol and its derivatives, and lipoproteins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By carefully tracing selected homologies, it has been possible to show that previously proposed classifications established inappropriate relationships based solely on form or function, or both; for example, the radial symmetry of starfishes is not homologous to that of coelenterates (such as jellyfish).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing evolutionary relationships, clearly distinguish between "homology" (shared ancestry) and analogy (convergent evolution).

Common error

Avoid using "homology" when you actually mean analogy. "Homology" refers to similarity due to shared ancestry, while analogy refers to similarity due to similar function but independent evolutionary paths.

Linguistic Context

The word "homology" functions primarily as a noun. Ludwig AI confirms it denotes a relationship or correspondence, especially in biology, referring to structures or sequences sharing a common evolutionary origin.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

News & Media

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "homology" is a noun predominantly used within scientific and encyclopedic contexts to describe the shared ancestry between different biological structures or genetic sequences. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate "homology" from analogy, as the former implies shared ancestry while the latter indicates convergent evolution. Related terms include "structural similarity" and "evolutionary correspondence". Understanding "homology" is key to comprehending evolutionary relationships and classifications in biology.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sequence similarity

Refers to the degree of resemblance between genetic sequences.

structural similarity

Emphasizes the similarity in physical structure between different entities.

morphological resemblance

Focuses on the similarity in form and structure.

evolutionary correspondence

Highlights the link between features due to common evolutionary origins.

phylogenetic relationship

Stresses the evolutionary connection and relatedness between organisms.

shared ancestry

Focuses on the common lineage as the reason for similarities.

common descent

Underlines the shared origin and evolutionary history.

functional equivalence

Highlights similarities in the function of different structures or systems.

conserved characteristic

Emphasizes a feature that has remained largely unchanged through evolution.

analogous structure

While technically contrasting with "homology", it's related in discussing biological similarities, focusing on function rather than origin.

FAQs

What does "homology" mean in biology?

"Homology" in biology refers to the similarity in structure, physiology, or development of different species of organisms based upon their descent from a common evolutionary ancestor.

How does "homology" differ from analogy?

"Homology" is similarity due to shared ancestry, while analogy is a functional similarity that evolved independently. An example of "analogous structure" is the wings of birds and insects, which serve the same function but evolved separately.

How is sequence "homology" used in genetics?

Sequence "homology" is used to identify genes or DNA segments that are similar due to a shared evolutionary origin. High sequence "homology" often indicates that the genes have similar functions.

What are examples of homologous structures?

Examples of homologous structures include the forelimbs of mammals (such as humans, bats, and whales), which have different functions but share a common skeletal structure due to their shared ancestry. Another related concept is "structural similarity".