(a nal´ o jee) [Gr. analogia: resembling] • A resemblance in function, and often appearance as well, between two structures which is due to convergence in evolution rather than to common ancestry. (Contrast with homology.)

Resemblance in characteristics (e.g., body form, behavior) as a consequence of independent adaptation to the same or similar environmental conditions and not due to common ancestry; Related Terms: Homology

n. Reasoning in which from certain and known relations or resemblance others are formed.

The case of similar function despite different structures; the opposite of paralogy. Similar to the evolutionary concept of convergence.

a parallel case with one or more points of resemblance. This is often used by writers to help the reader to understand a complex or abstract point

Two structures in biology are said to be analogous if they perform the same or similar function by a similar mechanism but evolved separately. Similar structures may have evolved through different pathways, a process known as convergent evolution, or may be homologous.