Following are some examples of homologous structures.
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A dolphin’s flipper, bird’s wing, cat’s leg, and the human arm are considered
homologous structures. Whereas human beings have bones such as the humerus, ulna,
radius, wrist bones, and fingers, these features appear as similar bones in form in the
other animals. Bats, whales, and many other animals have very similar homologous
structures, demonstrating that these creatures all had a common ancestor.
The tailbone in human beings is so-named because it is a homologous structure to the
beginning of many animals’ tails, such as monkeys. It is known as "vestigial" because it
is the last vestige of what was once a tail.
All mollusks have a "foot" that they use to travel. This foot is homologous although it
may not appear to be immediately – close inspection demonstrates that in terms of form
and function, gastropods, cephalopods, and bivalves share this homologous structure in
common.
Mammals share the homologous structure of the vertebrae in common. For instance, in
spite of its height, the giraffe has the very same number of neck bones (seven) as a giant
whale and a tiny human being.
Human beings, dogs, and cats all have similar pelvises, which are homologous structures
to a vestigial pair of bones that snakes have. These bones are the last remains of a pelvis,
with no legs to attach.
Our eyes are homologous to the eye bulbs which blind creatures who live in caves have
on their heads.
All organisms contain homologous plasma membranes with what is called a phospholipid
bi-layer.
The wrist bone of the human being is homologous with the structures of many other
animals, including the dolphin and the bird. A homologous structure in the panda looks
like a sixth appendage, but it is actually a modified wrist bone that helps the panda bears
pick leaves off the trees more dexterously.
An auditory bone that exists inside the ear of mammals is a homologous structure to the
reptile’s jaw bone (including the dinosaurs) as well as the jawbone of species of fish that
are still in existence today.
The carpals, metacarpals, and phalanges of the human hand have homologous structures
in a variety of animals, and they’re not all mammals. For instance, these features are
seen in penguins and reptiles as well as the mammals to which human beings are more
closely related.
The genetic code among all living things is homologous – extremely similar although
other genetic codes exist. This suggests a common ancestor.
Wasps and bees have stingers that they can use when they feel they are in danger.
However, this is a homologous structure to the ovipositor of other organisms – the
feature that allows these organisms to lay eggs.