Having the same or similar structure, position, or evolutionary origin, particularly in biology when comparing body parts across species. Also used in chemistry for compounds with similar structures.
From Greek 'homologos' meaning 'agreeing' or 'corresponding,' from 'homos' (same) and 'logos' (proportion/relation). Adopted into scientific vocabulary in the 19th century during the development of comparative anatomy and evolutionary theory.
Your arm and a bat's wing are homologous structures—they look totally different but share the same bone pattern from our common mammalian ancestor millions of years ago. This concept revolutionized biology by revealing that life's diversity masks deep structural unity, like variations on an ancient architectural blueprint.
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